By Paul Osborne

Israel have taken a commanding lead at the IBSA Goalball European Championships Men & Women B ©Kalocsai RichárdIsrael are proving the team to beat at the International Blind Sports Federation Goalball European Championships Men & Women B, as they recorded back-to-back victories on the opening day of competition in Budapest.

Ten men's and six women's teams are vying for a spot in the European A division, and the opportunity to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, with medallists from each contest being moved up.

Israel's men started strongly on day one of competition, recording a 13-8 victory over Ukraine, followed by a 10-8 win against Russia.

The Israelis led 9-0 at one stage in the match, but a spirited fightback saw the Russians pull the tie within two.

Israel managed to hang on to their lead, however, as they sit on six points in Pool A after the first day of matches.

Ukraine and Poland are three points behind after securing a victory apiece.

Ukraine's win came at the hands of Poland - the match ending 13-3 - while Poland thrashed Portugal 16-8.

Russia and Portugal played just a single game on the opening day.

Sweden top Pool B along with hosts Hungary after recording a win and a draw on the first day of competition ©Kalocsai RichárdSweden top Pool B along with hosts Hungary after recording a win and a draw on the first day of competition ©Kalocsai Richárd



Sweden and Hungary top Pool B of the men's contest with four points apiece.

Hungary began their campaign with a 10-10 draw with Denmark before beating Italy by 14 goals to nine.

Sweden also opened with a draw, finishing level with Slovenia in a tense 5-5 encounter.

They wrapped up three points in their second game, though, as they thrashed Denmark 11-1.

Just one group is being contested in the women's competition with Sweden and Greece currently top of the order.

Sweden are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, as the London 2012 bronze medallists recorded a 2-0 win over Hungary followed by a 5-0 victory against Denmark.

Greece secured back-to-back 2-1 victories against Belgium and Hungary.

Great Britain sit just three points down on the leaders after their 6-2 demolition of Belgium.

They are joined on three points by Denmark, who beat the Britons 4-0 in the opening women's encounter.

Action continues in Budapest tomorrow with finals due to take place on Sunday (September 28).

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories 
September 2014: Budapest to host Europe's best goalball nations for IBSA Championships