England v Ireland

England (7) v Ireland (3)

England and Ireland, respectively ranking 29th and 30th in the Homeless World Cup, were competing for the fifth and sixth position in the Hus Forbi Trophy, the prize named after the Danish homeless magazine.

Ireland dynamic team started well as its number eight scored for the first time within the first minute and increased the lead ten seconds later.

England meanwhile was biding its time, trying to split up the Irish players and passing the ball as much as its opponents allowed them. The right opportunity came in the shape of a penalty shot by England's number two.

Less than two minutes later England equalised again thanks to its number two player who shot another penalty. The first half ended with both team having scored twice. On leaving the pitch for the short break between the two parts of the game, Ireland looked less energetic but England's player did not look jubilant either.

England became more pressing in the second half in its pursuit of goals, scoring for the fist time within the first half minute of the second half. Another penalty shoot by the third minute brought the long-for fourth goal - ultimately a more reassuring lead for the English team.

This achievement galvanized the Irish into action; the team tried its best to get back into the game and its efforts finally paid off as it scored again. But England inexorably kept stretching its lead to seven goals versus three, sealing the match.

Cecilia Valente