Ireland narrowly miss out at Neymar Junior Fives in Brazil

Ireland’s representatives at the Neymar Jr Fives in Brazil ,WhoYaPlayin’?, missed out on a place in the knockout phase of the competition by the tightest of margins, losing out on goal difference.

The team mainly comprised Limerick men, with two representatives from Galway and another from Sligo making up the seven-man squad.

WhoYaPlayin’? won a regional event held at the University of Limerick in April before gaining national honours in Belfast.

Having arrived in Sao Paulo earlier this week, the side were drawn into Group G on Thursday.

The team finished fourth in Group G but, with the top four ranking fourth placed teams advancing, Ireland narrowly missed out.

The rules differ from an ordinary five-a-side, as scoring a goal sees the opposition lose a player. Scoring five goals secures the victory immediately, while the clock lasts for just 10 minutes.

The pitch measures 30m in length, with 18m in width, with a small goal which has no goalkeeper. The competition saw 53 teams from around the world descend on the Brazilian City.

Having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Italy, Gavin Dillon, from Abbeyfeale, had given his side the lead before Portugal ran out 5-1 winners.

Goals from Galway man Sean Keogh, captain Niall Smith and Dillon gave them their first points against Hong Kong.

Basement side Australia were then dispatched 5-1 as Keogh and braces from Dillon and from Kildimo native Paudie Walsh gave the squad hope.

Group G winners Bosnia proved too strong as they beat the Irish 2-0. This left an anxious wait to see if six points was enough to see them through the last 32.

Group D side Azerbaijan were deemed to have done enough for the 32^nd place and advanced with goal difference of +1, with captain Smith and his teammates finishing with a goal difference of -2.

Meanwhile Northern Ireland were also eliminated during Friday’s group stage, as Romania were eventually crowned winners on Saturday afternoon.

England Lions losing 1-0 in the decider, which was streamed online by sponsors, Red Bull. Romania and England couldn’t be separated after ten minutes of action, and, in a dramatic finish, the Romanians struck the golden goal in the 1v1 format to lift the trophy.

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