Dutch delight as Visker nets seven at European Championships

The Netherlands’ Iljas Visker scored an extraordinary seven goals in just 25 minutes to lead his team to a 14-0 Group A victory over Denmark in the first round of games at the 2014 CPISRA Football 7-a-side European Championships in Maia, Portugal, on Thursday (24 July).

Leading 9-0 at halftime, the Netherlands took their foot off the gas in the second half, only scoring five. Full of confidence, the Dutch will now face Finland who were hammered 10-0 by Ireland on Thursday.

Dillon Sheridan bagged a hat-trick for the Irish who will now meet Denmark in their second Group A fixture.

The European Championships opened on Wednesday (23 July) night with a Group C fixture between Portugal and England. Unfortunately the hosts were on the wrong end of a Michael Barker hat-trick as England were 5-0 winners.

On Friday Portugal will meet defending champions Ukraine in their second group fixture.

Finally, in Group B, Paralympic and world champions Russia got their campaign off to a good start against international newcomers Germany. Alexey Chesmin scored two goals as the Russian ran out 4-0 winners.

Russia will now face Northern Ireland on Friday who, despite leading 1-0 at half-time against Scotland, lost 3-1.

The 2014 CPISRA Football 7-a-side European Championships features 11 teams, drawn into three groups. The eight best teams will proceed to the quarter finals, which will be played on 29 July whilst the final will be played on 2 August. Both the gold and silver medal winners in Maia will qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.