Exiled Bull took in the action at the Blind World Cup:
“The Boss” and I ventured into the Shire on Monday to see the World Cup at first hand. We took in four group matches for just £7 for the two of us. The price is ridiculously cheap. We could have attended every day for a week and still paid the same as a single ticket at Stamford Bridge.
The matches need some adjusting to as it involves 50 minute five a side, split into two halves with timeouts and unlimited subs for the ten man squad. All the outfield players wear eye shields to ensure that partially sighted players do not have an advantage. The goalkeepers are sighted and they provide vital direction at one end with the team coach standing behind the opposite goal also calling out advice.
The spectators are reminded to remain silent during the match so that the players can hear the ball. Clearly this is not much of an imposition for the regulars at Edgar Street.
Most sides play with one forward and three defenders. This negative sounding formation is countered by the extraordinary ball juggling skills of the attacker. Brazil boldly played with two forwards who intuitively knew where each other were. Their 1-0 victory over France was very hard-earned. Spain beat Columbia 2-0 but with some wonderful play on both sides. Argentina’s demolition of dispirited Greece 3-0 was most one-sided. The South Americans missed 8 penalties though this was hard. The ball was set 8 metres from a Five a Side goal with a sighted goalkeeper in front of them. Despite help from the coach, thumping the bar twice was the closest the unsighted players came to scoring from the spot despite eight attempts.
The 400 seat capacity only came close to being filled with the appearance of the England team. The side includes hirsute Lewis Skyers sometimes of Ledbury, Malvern and Hereford United who seemed omnipresent during the Bulls pre-season. Don Goodman lookalike Lewis is the second choice keeper. Their match with South Korea was particularly tight with the tiny Korean forward resembling an Asian Jimmy Johnstone (ask your Dad) quite astonishing with his close control. England finally triumphed 2-1 with a match winning penalty to great applause.
The organisation was bright and intelligent and catering is by Ascaris (try their scones – they are disgustingly good).
So come on people make the most of a unique opportunity and get down to the RCNB. Visit the website for more info http://www.blind2010.com/