Irish team bid for glory at Neymar Jr 5s in Brazil

A group from Limerick will represent Ireland this Friday and Saturday at the Neymar Jr 5s in Brazil. The team, who’ve named themselves WhoYaPlayin’, are captained by Niall Smith.

Smith and his six teammates were winners of their regional final, in University of Limerick in April. This granted them a place in the Irish final in Belfast where they won their tickets to Brazil. They will face stiff competition at Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr in Praia Grande.

The competition, which is sponsored by Red Bull, sees 53 sides do battle and the Republic of Ireland side have been drawn in group G, alongside Italy, Hong Kong, Bosnia, Australia and Portugal. The top three teams in each group and the five best fourth-place sides will progress to the last 32.

Each game lasts a maximum of 10 minutes with the game starting five-on-five, but each time a side scores, their opponents lose a player. If a team scores five times, they win, as the opposition will be out of players. Keeping possession appears key, particularly if trailing.

The pitch measures 30m in length, with 18m in width, with a small goal that has no goalkeeper. Standing in the zone in front of goal is not permitted. In the event of a tie, teams must nominate a player to play in a 1v1 match to decide the winner.

The Irish team comprises a group of friends who predominantly play junior football for various different clubs in Limerick.

Having arrived in Sao Paulo earlier this week, attacker Paudie Walsh spoke about his side’s chances ahead of Friday’s kick-off.

“It appears a tough draw, with both Portugal and Italy in our group, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Walsh said.

“If we go out and play for each other then we believe that we have a chance against anybody. We played some good sides in Ireland and it’s important we stick together again.”

Walsh, who plays with Kildimo United in the Limerick Desmond League was keen to stress the honour of representing the Republic of Ireland.

“We are proud to represent the flag and we’re all really, really looking forward to playing for Ireland.”

You can track the results at www.neymarjrsfive.com, while Saturday’s final will be streamed by Red Bull at 16:00 Irish time.

WhoYaPlayin’ Squad: Niall Smith (capt), David Lynch, Lorcan Feeney, Paudie Walsh, Eoin Roche, Gavin Dillon and John Mulroy.