Ireland's amputee footballers exit World Cup at group stage
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Ireland's amputee footballers exit World Cup at group stage

IRELAND have failed to qualify from the group stages of the Amputee World Cup in Mexico after suffering a narrow defeat to Ukraine.

The international side's fate in the tournament was sealed after their 2-0 loss on Tuesday, the country from Eastern Europe scoring twice in the second half.

On Sunday, the boys in green - led by team captain and founder Simon Baker - had kicked off their debut World Cup appearance with a hard-fought 2-0 reverse against Copa America Champions Brazil.

Ireland began the match strongly, with James Boyle and Kevan O'Rourke both going close before the Southern American's struck late in the half to take the lead they didn't relinquish.

The next day, Ireland played the three-time World Champions Uzbekistan and were beaten 6-1 by very experienced opposition. 

A coolly-taken penalty by James Boyle marked Ireland's first ever goal in the biennial competition.

Although the results mean the country did not qualify for the Last-16, Ireland will play three more games this week.

Today they face Kenya, followed by Columbia on Friday and Ukraine again on Saturday. 

All matches are available to watch at www.internetv.tv