France take deaf title

The UEFA-backed European Deaf Football Championship has taken place in Portugal, with France taking the European title.

Lisbon stage
The French team beat Great Britain in the final in Lisbon after an excellent competition which UEFA was happy to support. Matches were played in the Lisbon area, with eleven teams setting off in search of the European crown. A six-day group phase saw impressive performances from Germany, Britain and France, who had little difficulty in reaching the knockout stages.

Hosts out
Hosts Portugal disappointed, losing two of their three group matches - including a 6-1 setback against Britain. Eventual winners France were in prime form from the kick-off, beating Cyprus 9-1 in their last group game. In the quarter-finals, the Republic of Ireland overcame Russia 2-1 while France beat Ukraine 3-0. Britain and Germany moved into the semi-finals with victories by the same scoreline over Denmark and the Czech Republic.

Closely-contested final
A thrilling semi-final saw France and Germany battle through a tense goalless draw - the French ultimately grabbing a place in the final with a 8-7 win in the penalty shoot-out. In the other semi-final, Britain ended the brave Irish challenge with a 3-1 success. The closely-contested final at the Estádio Nacional culminated in France clinching the European title with a narrow 2-1 win over the British team, the winning goal coming in the second half.

Major sports event
"I congratulate the local organising committee (LOC) for their efforts in organising this championship," said Ana Cristina Pereira, President of the Liga Portuguesa de Desporto para Surdos (Portuguese Deaf Sports Federation). "The dedication and persistence of LOC members and volunteers led to the efficient staging of this major sports event for the deaf community."