By Gary Anderson

The finalists at this year's European Football 7-a-side Championships have been decided ©AFP/Getty ImagesDefending champions Ukraine edged past great rivals Russia via a thrilling penalty shoot-out to reach the final of the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) Football 7-a-Side European Championships in Maia, Portugal.

In a repeat of the London 2012 final, Ukraine reversed the result against the reigning Paralympic and world champions to advance to the decider.

Despite scoring 27 goals between them in the previous rounds, the two sides could not break the deadlock and the game finished 0-0 meaning spot-kicks would decide the result.

Ukraine then scored all five from the spot to secure a 5-4 victory.

The result also mirrored the final of the last European Championships, when the Ukrainians defeated Russia via the same route to claim the continental crown in Glasgow in 2010.

In the other semi-final, Iljas Visker was the hero for The Netherlands as he came off the bench to score a winner in their 3-2 defeat of Ireland.

Despite a goal from captain Garry Messett Ireland went down to 3-2 loss to The Netherlands ©Getty Images Despite a goal from captain Garry Messett Ireland went down to 3-2 loss to The Netherlands ©Getty Images



The Dutch had gone 2-0 up thanks captain Stephan Lackoff and Lars Conijin, only for the Irish to mount a strong comeback thanks to goals from Dillon Sheridan just after halftime and captain Garry Messet on the hour.

Ireland looked to have the momentum at that stage but seven minutes after coming on, Visker found the back of the net to secure a place in Saturday's (August 2) final.

The Netherlands will be gunning for a first European title against Ukraine, while Russia and Ireland will battle for bronze at the Championships. 

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