Ghana (6) v (9) Russia
Former champions Russia have started their 2008 Homeless World Cup campaign with a win against Ghana in today's first round
Ghana (6) v (9) Russia
By Jenna Meade
FORMER champions Russia have started their 2008 Homeless World Cup campaign with a win against Ghana in today's first round.
Despite going out strong at the start with an effective defence, Ghana fell to the 2006 winners 9-6.
The game was fast-paced with both teams proving focused and committed to the game.
Ghana scored inside the first minute but Russia fought back, claiming the next three goals.
With a strong defence, Ghana blocked Russia's attempts at goals and came back with three goals within two minutes just before half time.
Russia missed an excellent chance to score before the half-time whistle and went into the break trailing 4-3.
Ghana began the second half with increased enthusiasm, scoring the first goal to take a two-goal lead. Their confidence was affected slightly when Russia scored the next goal, but Ghana refused to back down, scoring another goal within 30 seconds.
However, Russia proved too strong in the final minutes of the game, scoring three solid goals in a row.
With a one-goal lead, Russia pushed hard in the final minute and proved their strength with two more goals to ice the result.
Photos: Photoworx