In one of the games of the day, Antrim put on a fine second-half showing as they came from behind to record a vital victory against Shoshi FC of Japan. In a highly competitive first period there was little to choose between the sides as most of the action was within midfield where the tackles were flying in and the aerial duels were highly combative. It was the Japanese side that broke the deadlock when a cross was parried by the Antrim ‘keeper straight into the path of Sochi number ten Yu Takita who controlled neatly and finished swiftly with the laces to grab the opener.
Despite this setback, Antrim continued to show dominance down the wings and when they won a free-kick out wide it was up to Alex Watson to curl in a pristine free from the left and the Shoshi ‘keeper was powerless to stop the ball finding the top right corner as the goal was passionately celebrated by the midfield man who punched the air in delight. The game was played at a frantic pace and it was there for the taking for either side in the second but Antrim forward Madden was on hand to produce a moment of quality in a tight-knit game when he worked a one-two off his team-mate at the edge of the box and curled a beautiful side foot effort past the despairing dive of the Shoshi ‘keeper to make it 2-1 and Antrim defended bravely as they held off a late Japanese rally to claim a vital three points. In the other group A game, Middlesbrough were 2-0 up but a late rally from County Armagh saw the Orchard o.