Historic win over Wales as futsal in Northern Ireland comes of age
Roohi and Magee strikes give side 2-0 victory in Home Nation Championships
What a night for Northern Ireland’s futsal team…
They claimed the biggest scalp of their fledgling existence after beating Wales 2-0 in the second of their Home Nation Championships games at Newry Leisure Centre.
Darius Roohi and Jack Magee bagged the goals in the historic win.
But it was a superb all-round team performance with every player showing incredible levels of drive and commitment throughout.
Special mention must be given to keeper Matthew McErlain.
Playing in his first Home Nations tournament, he was majestic between the sticks – pulling off a series of saves to keep his side’s dream alive.
Head Coach Jonny Michael said they had come a long way in just two years.
“The boys had to defend for long periods of the game but we were confident that they could not break us down,” he said.
“I am pleased for the boys – that’s really a two-year journey for them and all that has all paid off tonight.”
It was the perfect pick-me-up after a disappointing 6-2 defeat opener to Scotland on Friday night – a game Northern Ireland could have won had they taken their numerous chances.
To put last night’s result into perspective, though – just two years ago they were on the end of a double-digit hammering by Wales at the Home Nations tournament in Cardiff.
While last year’s results at the championships in Edinburgh were an improvement, they were still losing games.
Michael said he was now seeing a team with a more winning mindset.
“We have boys who understand the game better and believe we can go into games and be competitive and win matches,” he said.
“That’s potentially the difference from two years ago or even last year when we were still on that development journey.
“Now I believe they have got their rewards – futsal can be a cruel game at times but that result has given them the belief, so I am very pleased.”
Northern Ireland’s tournament curtain closer takes place later against holders England – one of the best teams in Europe.
They are favourites again to land the trophy after two wins from two – beating both Scotland and Wales by a 3-1 scoreline.
The squad featured: Philip Irvine GK, John Gibson, Ciaran Donaghy, Adam Barr, Scott Gunn, James Gould, Conor Glenholmes, Jack Magee, Connor Millar, Jonathan Pierce, Alexander Lalor, Craig Taylor, Jordan Wilson, Danny Stapleton, Darius Roohi, Matthew McErlain GK.