Reigning world champions France were too hot for Northern Ireland to handle at the Powerchair World Cup finals.
After registering a second draw in the group stages in Australia earlier today, Northern Ireland were in reasonably buoyant mood ahead of meeting the French.
However, they were under the cosh throughout as France ran out 8-0 winners atSydney Olympic Park’s Quay Centre.
Aurelien Fillatre was the thorn in Northern Ireland’s side, notching up five goals for the French.
Earlier in the day Northern Ireland drew 1-1 with Argentina – to register their second point of the competition following a draw with Uruguay on the opening day.
Goalkeeper Sean McKinney was busy as Argentina went on the attack from the start.
Northern Ireland captain Scott Hilland hit a free-kick from distance just before half-time which rolled past the Argentina defence into the net. The Argentinians had been distracted by clever positioning from Patrick Cumiskey. It was a soft goal to concede.
Argentina had a goal disallowed for an infringement during the second half, but they managed to equalise right on the final whistle.
A Lopez shot ricocheted off Scott Hilland and then bounced off Carl McVeigh before ending up in the net. It was a heartbreaking end to the game for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland will be back in action at the FIPFA (Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association) Powerchair Football World Cup tomorrow.
They are set to come up against Japan (10am) and the Republic of Ireland (1pm) before rounding off the group stage with games against Australia (10am) and England (2.30pm) on Thursday.
The semi-finals and final plus placing matches will all be staged at the Quay Centre on Friday.
The players representing Northern Ireland in Australia this week are: Scott Hilland (captain), Patrick Cumiskey, Bartek Kuszkowski, Jason Browning, Carl McVeigh and Sean McKinney.
