Hosts England lose penalty shootout to Russia at Blind European Championships

Russia proved too strong for England in the penalty shootout ©BlindEuros

England's visually impaired men joined a lengthy list of football teams from the country to have suffered penalty shootout defeats after they lost agonisingly to Russia in the semi-finals of the Blind European Championships today, while Turkey earned the second final spot after beating Spain.

All three English penalty takers missed at the International Blind Sport Federation event in Hereford, with Alexy Loktionov the shootout’s lone scorer, as the hosts fell to a surprise defeat despite dominating for much of the game.

Leading in both possession and territory from the outset, England forced four early corners and came close to opening the scoring when Robin Williams, the tournament’s second-top scorer, fired just wide.

With Russian playmaker Evgenii Shelaev departing injured midway through the first half, the home side continued to have the best of the chances but without truly troubling their opponents.

Substitute forward Roy Turnham came closest to scoring in a tight second period, winning a foul on the edge of the area with seven minutes remaining and firing past the far post from the resulting free-kick.

But with neither side able to break the deadlock, the game went to penalties.

Loktionov found the back of the net with the opening shot before Dan English, penalty specialist Owen Bainbridge and captain Keryn Seal, all saw their efforts miss, while Denis Egorov and Evgenii Shelaev shot wide for the victorious side.

The result was a double blow for the hosts as it means they will not qualify for next year's Paralympic tournament in Rio de Janeiro, while Russia have guaranteed themselves a spot.

Turkey overcame Spain in the second penalty shootout of the night ©Blind Euros

Turkey provided a second shootout shock to join the Russians in the final after beating defending champions and London 2012 bronze medallist Spain 2-0.

In another goaless match there was little between the two, but once the shootout began Turkey were too strong, scoring both of their spotkicks as the Spaniards missed.

The final will take place tomorrow at 3pm, following on from the bronze medal match between England and Spain.