Russia beat Turkey 2-1 today to secure top spot in Group B at the IBSA Partially Sighted Football World Championships in Italian city Cagliari ©IBSA

Russia and Ukraine both qualified as group winners for the semi-finals of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Partially Sighted Football World Championships after maintaining their perfect records in Italian city Cagliari today.

Russia beat Turkey 2-1 to secure top spot in Group B, while Ukraine thrashed Japan 12-1 to finish at the summit of Group A. 

Next up for Russia is a last-four encounter with England, who qualified as Group A runners-up following a 2-2 draw with France. 

Spain stand between Ukraine and the final after they overcame Italy 3-1 to ensure second place in Group B.

Both semi-finals are scheduled for tomorrow.

Ukraine topped Group A with maximum points ©IBSA
Ukraine topped Group A with maximum points ©IBSA

In the play-offs to determine fifth to eighth place, France face Italy and Turkey go up against Japan. 

The tournament is for B2 and B3 players, who have less impairment than the B1 category where athletes are almost or totally blind.

It is being run by Tigers Paralympic Sport, a member of the Italian Paralympic Federation for the Visually Impaired (FISPIC).

The tournament is the seventh edition in all, with action returning to Europe for the first time since 2004 when Manchester in England played host.