Report: England Deaf Women 2-0 Italy

England women’s deaf team secured fifth place at the World Deaf Futsal Championship following today’s 2-0 win over Italy as the final tournament rankings were decided.

After beating Japan 3-1 earlier in the week in their first place-ranking game, the Para Lionesses followed that result up with victory over the hosts as they signed off this summer’s tournament.

With fifth and sixth place up for grabs before kick-off, the two teams played out a goalless first half at the Pala Roma venue in Montesilvano.

However, England turned up the heat after the interval. With around 12 minutes of the game remaining, the Para Lionesses took the lead through Danielle Evans who combined with Ellie Betteridge to make it 1-0.

After playing a one-two with Betteridge, Evans took aim and rippled the net before peeling away to celebrate with her team-mates.

Steve Daley’s side doubled their lead with five minutes left on the clock as Masie O’Shea scored from inside her own half.

England’s pressing paid off when they forced Italy into an error and with the opposition goalkeeper off her line, O’Shea let fly from inside the Para Lionesses’ penalty area, making it 2-0 which was how it finished.

England: 1 Natasha Hamm, 2 Georgia Jones, 4 Masie O’Shea, 5 Louise Hogan, 6 Lucindha Lawson, 7 Danielle Evans, 8 Faye Williams. 9 Macie White, 10 Lucy Scholes, 11 Ellie Betteridge, 12 Emma Brown

Head coach: Steve Daley

Goals: Danielle Evans, Masie O’Shea