Pacheco promotes Intercontinental Cup

As the Pararoos finalise their preparations for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup, Spain’s Captain Raul Pacheco is in the country to promote the tournament that will be staged in his homeland later this month.

As the Pararoos finalise their preparations for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup, Spain-s Captain Raul Pacheco is in the country to promote the tournament that will be staged in his homeland later this month.

While Australia beat Spain 4-2 the last time the sides met - the first time the Pararoos had beaten their European opponents in 13 years, Pacheco is confident his side will be a different proposition in front of their home fans.

“Spain have a new management staff, led by Coach Ismael Sanz, and some of our younger players have grown-up, so it will be a different national team that you see at the Intercontinentals,” he said.

Pacheco is an experienced campaigner, having been a former professional player for Castilla La Mancha in Madrid. However having suffered three strokes over a period of six months he now finds himself Captain of Spain-s Paralympic National Team.

Spain have been grouped with the Netherlands, Canada and Scotland in Pool A for the upcoming tournament. When asked about his team-s prospects Pacheco was confident his side would do well but was respectful of the opposition they would face.

“It is a very difficult group, with two teams in the top five in Europe, and an improved Canadian side, but we are staying positive,” said Pacheco.

“It is difficult for us, we only play together in two camps a year, but most of the players are playing in good able bodied teams in Madrid and Barcelona, which helps.

“We will be a different team under Sanz, he is my teacher, my guide.”

The Pararoos play Portugal in their opening fixture of the Intercontinental Cup on 29th July.

Follow the team-s progress on facebook and twitter.