The Masters Futsal put in a brave performance before going down 8-1 against competition favourites Russia.

A combination of good organisation, shape and discipline helped GB keep the match goalless for the opening 18 minutes. They also rode their luck at times with the woodwork coming to the rescue on three occasions as well as keeper Phil Caplin producing a number of heroic saves.

Player-coach Paul Shamplina was in commanding form at the back as the Russians put GB on the back foot early on.

Russia hit the bar after nine minutes before Caplin pulled out a top-drawer block.

GB’s all-round performance was outstanding to a man with half-time approaching but the Russians to continued to knock on the door with the ever-alert Caplin rushing out of his goal to stop another goal-bound strike.

He pulled out another fine save with an acrobatic finger-tip save over the bar.

GB stood big, brave and strong and it looked as though they would hold out until half time but a piece of sloppy marking saw Russia forge ahead in deserved fashion.

They doubled the lead a minute before the break after a swift passing move caught the GB defence napping for a simple finish.

2-0 down at the break, GB could be very pleased with their first-half effort but two goals at the start of the second period effectively ended the game as a contest.

It was 3-0 after 23 minutes as another patient passing move was capped off with a stunning finish into the top corner from 15 yards. A fourth goal followed shortly after as GB heads started to drop.

But there was a big cheer on the GB bench when birthday boy Laurence Newman met an inc-perfect cross from Maccabi veteran Danny Schweiger with a bullet header into the roof of the net. The goal, made in Manchester, was no more than GB deserved.

Russia stepped up a gear and scored four more. In all honesty, they were a joy to watch.

GB created two later chances; the first saw a counter-attack involving Schweiger and Danny Reuben link up but Silver was just unable to produce the final touch. The same player missed another good chance at the death.

In summary, the first-half performance shows how far GB have come in this sport, but the final score reflected Russian domination, and it’s worth remembering that GB lost 15-1 to Russia at the last Maccabiah Games two years ago.

For Russia, Vladimir Nakharatov (3), Mikhail Evgratov, Heexey Burdman (2), Valeri Morosov and Oleg Lvov scored the goals.

GB manager Adam Lustigman said: “We were very good in the first half. We kept our shape well and were disciplined. We were only two down at half time which we were more than content with.

“Our heads went down after the two goals early in the second half and we lost our shape.

“But today we lost against a team that I believe would reach the final of the Open competition.

“We scored a really good goal which was a nice way for Laurence Newman to celebrate his birthday.”