Day 5 - HWC Australia 4/12/2008

See our interview on YouTube

AFL star and former Laois Star Colm Begley Meets Homeless World Cup team

Colm with team

New St. Kilda AFL draftee Colm Begley also made a guest appearance at the event, catching up with fellow Irishman inthe Irish Homeless World Cup team. Team member Paul Farrell, 22, from Dublin, was presented with a St. Kilda guernsey and was taught how to take a “speccie”, while other players practiced kicking the unfamiliar AFL ball. “What an amazing bunch of guys,” Begley said. “I’ll definitely be back on the weekend to watch them play and hopefully see them win.”

Ireland got off to a difficult start in the second round of the Homeless World Cup.
Drawn in the group of death Ireland were up against Ukraine, England Italy Holland and Zimbabwe

victory in shootout

Ukraine 8 Ireland 6
Ukraine opened the game strongly, dominating possession and getting ahead with three early goals, leaving Ireland to play catch-up.
The crowd support for Ireland was strong and they managed to net two goals before half time. However, each time the Ukrainians were within shooting distance they were unstoppable
Ireland managed to get back in the game and within two goals, especially due to the fantastic work of goalkeeper Thomas Cullen, who blocked shot after shot from the Ukrainians. But despite their exceptional effort they could not quite manage to overcome the eastern European side’s precision.

Ireland 4 England 8
The secondary round win was particularly important for the two teams, as they were both within the top three of their group.
Ireland seemed strangely lethargic, whether it was the exceptional heat on the day or the pressure of the occasion they failed to reach the standard of their previous outings and never really got to grips with the game.
Paul Farrell was a standout player for the Irish team, making several excellent shots at goal, and managing to score all 4 goals.
Stephen Coleman as usual played with conviction and commitment and was central to Irelands creativity.
The Irish tried everything they could in desperation in the dying minutes of the match and must be commended for their high skill level and never-give-up attitude.

Ireland V Italy 5-5
Ireland win in sudden death penalty shoot out 4-3
What a match Ireland came from behind to defeat Italy after a gripping penalty shootout in one of the most exciting games of the tournament.
Supporters turned out in droves for the clash of the heavyweights, setting a colourful scene for the thrilling encounter.
Italy went into the match full of confidence following their 9-3 win over the Netherlands earlier today, while the Irish were keen to make amends for their disappointing display against England earlier.
Italy raced into a 2-0 lead.
But if there was any frustration in the Irish ranks it certainly didn't show, as they retained their composure to post two goals of their own on the scoreboard before the half time break.
A second half goal to Irish star Brian Coleman handed his side a 3-2 buffer but a blue card to the Irish at the three-minute mark turned the game on its head.
With an extra man on the field, the Italians capitalised in the most stunning fashion, netting two goals in 30 seconds, which opened up a handy two goal lead before another seemed to have the game sealed.
But Ireland never gave up and in the final frenetic minutes they mustered the goals required to take the game to penalties. The sudden death shootout turned into something of a marathon after players from each side continued to hold their nerve and convert from the spot. With the score at 4 a piece. Irish keeper Thomas Cullen made the crucial save

Some pictures from the Second Round Matches & Meeting Colm Begley
Colm and Karl Robinson compete for a high ball	Thomas Cullen celebrates after saving penalty
	Paul Farrell scores against England

To Download Hi-Res pics of the tournament click here for the gallery