2017 FIPFA (Powerchair Football) World Cup

[The Albion Roar]

The FIPFA 2017 World Cup (that's Powerchair Football to you...) takes place in Florida next week, and Brighton's very own Matthew Francis has the proud and humble privilege of representing England at the tournament.

England have four group matches...

England v Ireland - Thu 6 Jul 14.30 BST
England v Australia - Thu 6 Jul 19.00 BST
England v France - Fri 7 Jul 14.30 BST
England v Canada - Fri 7 Jul 19.00 BST

You can watch them all at http://fipfaworldcup.org/schedule

One team is eliminated after the group games, and the top four teams go on to the Quarter-Finals on Saturday. England are one of the fancied teams, along with USA, France and Japan.

It goes without saying (though I'm going to say it anyway) that we are all immensely proud at Matt - a fine ambassador for Powerchair Football generally, and BHAPFC specifically - and he takes with him to the States all our hopes, dreams and wishes for a successful World Cup.

Additionally, you can listen in to the Albion Roar Special podcast later today featuring Chris Hammans, the BHAPFC team coach, together with BHAPFC player Seb Finch. They talk all things Albion and all things Powerchair Football (including - quite helpfully, the rules) for an hour. You can listen in at www.albionroar.co.uk

 

[The Albion Roar]

The squad at Gatwick yesterday just before heading off...

 

[The Large One]

England won their two friendlies today - 5-0 against Denmark, and 3-1 against (a reasonbly well-fancied) Japan.

 

[The Large One]

England's first game at 2.30pm BST today against Ireland.

Livestreamed at http://fipfaworldcup.org

Matt Francis has been classified as a Level 1 player. Those who've listened to the podcast will know why that's important.

 

[The Large One]

England won their first game 3-0.

England v Australia on stream at 7pm.

 

[hart's shirt]

It's very entertaining and no less skillful.

Our number 8 is the best player on the pitch with last gasp defending and a brilliant head feint for the 3rd goal.

He seems to be seeing the play a good half-second before the other players.

Great to see the Albion flag hanging in the midst of the supporters.

 

[Paul Reids Sock]

Great news that they won their first game. Love having an Albion international.

 

[hart's shirt]

4-0 up at HT.

 

[Eeyore]

Jonathan Bolding is mustard. The set-piece movements are incredibly well thought too.

It seems that England's policy of 'rush goalie' is raising eyebrows but the Aussies have not been in the game.

 

[The Large One]

It's very entertaining and no less skillful.

Our number 8 is the best player on the pitch with last gasp defending and a brilliant head feint for the 3rd goal.

He seems to be seeing the play a good half-second before the other players.

John Bolding is the England captain, and probably one of the best players in the world.

Great to see the Albion flag hanging in the midst of the supporters.

You can thanks the Francis clan for that.

 

[hart's shirt]

Some great play by Matt at the back blocking and bringing the ball out.

Another international goalkeeper for the Albion!

 

[Buzzer]

That Aussie lad Karim looked very good but the rest of his team-mates were largely anonymous. England on the other hand had stand-out players but excellent team-play too. Great result for England.

 

[The Large One]

The biggest game in the group is tomorrow against the equally fancied France team.

They beat Canada 11-0 earlier.

 

[Eeyore]

I wonder if the wheelchairs are standardised in some way so as not to give advantage. It all looks very even.

 

[The Large One]

I wonder if the wheelchairs are standardised in some way so as not to give advantage. It all looks very even.

They are. The chairs are allowed to go a maximum of 10kph (6.2mph). They're speed-tested before and after a match.

 

[The Large One]

England v France at 2.30pm UK time.

http://fipfaworldcup.org/schedule

France - who have scored 20 goals in their opening two matches - are one of the favourites for the whole tournament, so England will really have to be on their game today.

 

[The Large One]

England lose their third game - to France - 2-1.

Still on course to qualify for the quarter-finals though.

Final group game against Canada this evening at 7pm.

 

[The Large One]

England win their final group game - 7-0 against Canada, meaning they finish 2nd in Pool A and head into the Quarter-Finals.

Our boy Matt played most of the second half in goal. Well, sort of rush goalie...

 

[Paul Reids Sock]

England win their final group game - 7-0 against Canada, meaning they finish 2nd in Pool A and head into the Quarter-Finals.

Our boy Matt played most of the second half in goal. Well, sort of rush goalie...

Great work by the boys.

Hopefully they can go all the way. Haven't managed to watch any yet but hopefully will with the quarters

 

[Bry Nylon]

The squad at Gatwick yesterday just before heading off...

Bad planning making them take the stairs.