BT PWC 2012: Britain forced to settle for silver in Manchester

By Nicolas Atkin in Manchester, Sportsbeat

GREAT BRITAIN head coach Lyndon Lynch insists his 7-a-side cerebral palsy football team are on the right track despite finishing runners-up to Brazil in Saturday's BT Paralympic World Cup final.

RUNNERS UP: Great Britain were beaten by Brazil in the final of the BT Paralympic World Cup

Brazil looked to be running away with it after racing into a 4-0 lead just after the interval but goals from Ibrahima Diallo and Alistair Patrick-Heselton gave Team GB hope of a remarkable comeback.

But it wasn't to be with Brazil holding on for their second 4-2 win over Great Britain in Manchester this week although the manager was proud of his side's efforts as their Paralympic preparations continued.

"I was very pleased with the second-half performance," said Lynch. "The lads were a bit despondent at half-time but they showed some great spirit which was very important.

"It was just disappointing we were playing catch-up again to a really good Brazil side.

"But we're making progress, if we can do that when it comes to the Paralympics then hopefully we can turn that score around.

"We've definitely seen some improvement in the lads and in our results. At the last BT Paralympic World Cup it was a bronze medal so to come up with silver this time makes us know what the next step is.

"I've always pressed on the players to try and take it one step at a time. This might not be a big leap but if we can recognise this is a small step of progress then I'm sure we'll build into a really strong group."

After an even start Wanderson Oliveira netted twice in the space of two minutes to stun Great Britain on the counter attack and leave their hopes of gold reeling.

It got worse a minute before half time when Fernandes Vieira gave Brazil a commanding 3-0 lead, and after Yurig Ribeiro scored within a minute of the restart Great Britain looked all but consigned to second place.

But Diallo latched onto an excellent through ball to round Marcos Ferreira and slot home with a quarter-hour to go before substitute Patrick-Heselton broke free and coolly finished two minutes later to set-up a tense finish.

Brazil held their nerve though and finished as deserved winners at the City of Manchester Arena with a 100% record from their four matches.

In the morning's bronze final the USA pulled off a shock 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland having lost all three of their group games in the week.

An early Rene Renteria goal gave the Americans a half-time lead with Josh McKinney doubling their advantage two minutes after the restart.

Luke Evans reduced the deficit with eight minutes remaining but the USA saw it out to ensure Ireland went home empty-handed.

The BT Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester from 22-26 May with elite international athletes competing in Athletics, Football 7-aside and Wheelchair Basketball. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com for tickets and more information. 

(c) Sportsbeat 2012