Teams from Brazil, Italy and Spain played in a league format over three days, with each country playing each other once. On Friday the resurgent B1 squad took on Italy and after a slow start went on to win 2-0, with Owen Bainbridge adding to his growing reputation with two well-taken 8m penalties.
The challenge was ramped up a little on the Saturday with the current European champions Spain providing the opposition, the Three Lions however rose to the challenge and scored two well-crafted, individual goals from open play with Dan English and Robin Williams both finding the net with powerful strikes after surging runs.
This win meant that Sunday’s game against Brazil took on extra meaning as both teams entered the match unbeaten.
As Brazil are current World and Paralympic Champions this could be seen as the ultimate test but new head coach Jonathan Pugh was unfazed as he set out his team to both nullify the threat from this full strength Brazilian side as well as provide a threat when going forward.
The game started with England being unable to gain any meaningful possession and they spent the majority of the first half repelling attack after attack, however with goalkeeper Dan James in imperious form they reached the break goalless.
As the game wore on, Pugh made several substitutions in order to freshen things up, but it was English and Keryn Seal who impressed the most as they defended resolutely throughout - denying and frustrating the Brazilian forwards at every turn.
As the game neared conclusion, the hosts’ fitness levels began to show as they struggled to take the game to their opponents, but, against the odds they almost grabbed the winner. English, after a typical barrelling run, struck an effort that forced the Brazilian ‘keeper to perform a world class save to claw it away from the top corner.
The game finished in a creditable 0-0 draw, with Brazil taking top spot on goal difference. Pugh was “delighted” with his players continued development as they progress towards the European Championships in 2015 - which also act as a qualifying tournament for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.
