England’s Blind continued their 100 per cent start to the IBSA World Games with a 1-0 victory against Japan on Tuesday.
Following Monday’s 4-0 win against hosts South Korea, the Three Lions edged the tight affair at the Olympic Park in Seoul thanks to a late Dan English free-kick.
The game was close throughout with little in the way of chances.
England 1-0 Japan
IBSA World Games
Tuesday 12 May
Olympic Stadium
Seoul, South Korea
Japan set out to to nullify the England forward play.
They set up in a tight diamond formation and the forward runs of Dan English and Roy Turnham did not have the impact they did in the first game, against the well-drilled Japan defensive unit.
England piled on the pressure in the first half though. They had 75 per cent possession, but were unable to make the breakthrough.
In the second half there was a reversal of sorts, with Japan creating the better chances.
England goalkeeper Dylan Malpas needed to be alert following a succession of corners.
However, neither side was able to break the deadlock.
It looked as though the game was drifting towards a draw until, in the last minute, Roy Turnham picked the ball up on the left.
He drove at the heart of the Japan defence only to be brought down on the edge of the box.
“I am delighted with the way the team ground out the result against a very effective team”
Jon Pugh England head coach
English stepped up and drilled the free kick through the wall and past the helpless goalkeeper to secure the win.
After the game, head coach Jon Pugh said he was pleased with the resilience his side showed.
“I am delighted with the way the team ground out the result against a very effective team,” he said.
“We had difficulty playing our system and keeping our shape but all the team kept to their task and Dan English strike was outstanding.
“We look forward to the group decider tomorrow”.
England, who sit top of Group A, play China at 10am (2am BST) on Thursday to decide who plays in the final on Saturday.
