Win over Mali sets us up for Brazil encounter, says Coleman

Brandon Coleman believes England’s convincing 4-0 victory over Mali in the opening clash of the Blind Football World Cup will stand his team in good stead for a showdown with Brazil.

Coleman’s brace and strikes from Daniel English and Roy Turnham were enough to see Jon Pugh’s side negotiate a potentially tricky clash with ease as they began their campaign in Madrid.

English’s fine individual effort gave them the lead on 14 minutes before Coleman emphatically drove home a penalty moments later to double England’s advantage.

Turnham’s powerful strike made it three midway through the second period before Coleman rifled across the goalkeeper into the top corner to round off victory.

England now face Brazil in their second Group D game on Monday - their Brazilian counterparts are current Paralympic gold medallists and scooped the last world cup crown four years ago.

Brazil began their tournament with a resounding 6-1 success against Mali and face Costa Rica later this evening.

However, despite the undoubted pedigree and quality of the Brazilian side, Coleman believes the confidence England will take from this opening victory will prove invaluable.

“I think it was a good start for us all,” he said. “We wanted to get off as best we can and now we can take it game by game.

“Now we look forward to the Brazil game and hopefully, that’s good momentum for us.

“I think we’ve got good enough quality and a good togetherness in the squad at the minute.

“As long as we have self-belief and take the momentum from the win, I think we can do a job [against Brazil].”

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