England come from behind to claim Men's World Cup, defeat USA 2-1

England has claimed a groundbreaking first IFCPF Men’s World Cup win, defeating tournament hosts the United States of America 2-1 after extra time.

England head coach Jack Rutter made one change from his side’s win over Brazil in the semi-finals, reintroducing Matty Robinson to the starting seven in favour of James Blackwell. The USA went in unchanged.

From kick-off, the Americans almost got the perfect start, with one pass cutting through the England defence and Cameron DeLillo, whose shot was fired at England goalkeeper Giles Moore after five seconds.

The Americans managed the occasion well to start, with England’s balls up to Harry Baker’s snuffed out by defender Wes Pincince.

Beginning rock solid at the back, the teamed to deal with an early blow, with captain Josh Brunais forced off with an injury. After going down, he tried to walk it off, but Frankie Lowery came on after he was unable to continue.

Despite both teams pushing for an opener before the break, both goalkeepers in Moore and American Sean Boyle kept the door shut, and the half ended goalless.

In the second 30, the USA started the more likely to grab the elusive opener, with DeLillo and Jonah Meyer-Crothers coming close.

Ethan Day might have thought he had the opener, and would have surely done if Boyle had not produced arguably his best save of the night, robbing England of an opener.

Both sides were denied glorious opportunities, with the USA via DeLillo and John Sullivan unable to break through, and it looked like the game was staying goalless for the hour.

Sullivan had other ideas. Ben Lindau’s floated corner was nodded back square, and the USA number eight was in the right place to tap home and give the Americans a lead.

It looked to be enough, and as the game entered second half stoppage time, Rutter’s men were running out of time and ideas. After multiple short corners, England’s momentum built, and Sam Dewhirst answered, his shot clipping the post and hitting the back of the net to force the game into extra time.

In the first period of extra time, England’s turnaround was complete. Dewhirst’s tame shot was not held by Boyle, who was only able to parry. Porcher did the rest from close range, giving England its first lead.

It was one it would not lose, as England took home its first ever CP Football World Cup.

After the game, the standout players of the tournament were rewarded for their efforts. Eight goals saw Netherlands’ star Lorenzo Calkhoven take home the Golden Boot, while David Porcher was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Final score: England 2-1 United States of America (AET)

Goals: John Sullivan 56’; Sam Dewhirst 60+1, David Porcher 64’

Venue: Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, Fayetteville, Georgia.