Sligo’s Laura McGuinn was on target for Ireland in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Japan at the World Deaf Futsal Championships in Brazil.
McGuinn, who plays for Glenview Stars in the local amateur league, and also coaches with Strand Celtic and Sligo-Leitrim underage teams locally, struck for a late equaliser to give Ireland a share of the spoils in their latest group game.
With time almost up, Ireland introduced Laura Clarke as a fly-goalkeeper and their patience was finally rewarded after some neat interplay in midfield set up McGuinn, who made no mistake with a fine first-touch finish, which gave the keeper with no chance.
It was a commendable result for the Irish girls as Japan are the current Asia-Pacific champions and had not conceded a goal in the competition prior to Tuesday’s game.
This was Ireland’s first point in the group stage, following earlier defeats in the compeititon to Brazil, Argentina and Germany.
