On the 13 September, we kicked off our World Cup Campaign with the opening match against the hosts Germany. In a really tough encounter, Germany ended up coming out with a 6-4 win. The guys didn’t have too much time to dwell on the loss as they faced Australia in the afternoon kick off. This time coming out 4-1 winners in a fantastic team display.
The next morning Wales were our only opponents of the day where we suffered a heavy loss 6-1. This quality Wales team ended up in the semi finals with one of their players winning the golden boot and player of the tournament.
It all came down to our last group match against Italy, where a win meant we would make the quarter finals. It was by far our best performance of the tournament but a free kick from the Italians landed in the bottom corner and no matter what we did, we just couldn’t get level or on top. Italy progressed to the quarterfinals with their 1 nil win and we ended up in the play off places, finishing our World Cup campaign with wins against Ireland and the Netherlands.
We also had two women play in the GB&NI women’s squad. They defeated Germany and Australia but lost to the United team meaning they finished runners up in the first ever women’s section of the Transplant World Cup.
The whole week was a phenomenal experience for the team. Competing with transplant recipients from 15 countries around the World. It wasn’t just about football but about showing the world what is possible post transplant. Being able to demonstrate on a world stage the difference organ donation makes to these individuals and to show their gratitude to all organ donors world wide is more important than any football score. We also wanted to thank all our medical teams whose hard work and dedication has enabled the team to remain so healthy and get back into sport.
We hope to build on the momentum of this World Cup and encourage many more transplant recipients to get back into football or even take it up for the first time. Our doors are always open as we aim to help improve the lives of transplant recipients in Northern Ireland through sport.
We are so thankful to all our sponsors, grant givers and our support team of our Doctor Damien, Physio Noeleen, referee Arleen and our coaches Michael and Alan.
