Brazil are unbeaten at Paralympic Games ⒸMarcus Hartmann
Find below some of the best moments of football 5-a-side at the Paralympic Games.
Brazil claim first Paralympic gold
Fierce rivals Argentina had taken the world title two years before in Rio de Janeiro, but Brazil travelled to Greece optimistic about taking revenge at the Athens 2004 Paralympics. And they did following a 3-2 win on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Iran surprise Argentina
Everything seemed set for an awaited Brazil-Argentina final at Rio 2016. However, the Iranian caused arguably the biggest upset in football 5-a-side history by defeating Argentina 2-1 on penalties in the semi-finals.
First African goal
Morocco became the first African football 5-a-side team to debut at the Paralympics. Reigning champions Brazil were their rivals in the first game of Rio 2016, with Abderrazak Hattab scoring the opening goal. The hosts quickly bounced back to claim the 3-1 victory, but it was nevertheless a historical day for Morocco and Africa.
Jefinho’s Maradona-like goal
The scoreboard read China 1 – Brazil 0 in the Rio 2016 semifinals when Jefinho got hold of the ball in three quarters of the field. He made a fine run before facing his first defender, then made a feint for the left side and filtered down to the last line of resistance. Jefinho made the diagonal and got rid of the last opponent before shooting to score arguably the best football 5-a-side goal in Paralympic history. He went on to score a second to give Brazil the victory.
Brazilian home victory
Brazil had won all three Paralympic tournaments, but this one was special as it was going to take place in front of their home crowd in Rio de Janeiro. And Brazil did not disappoint, winning four matches, including the final against Iran, to take the coveted gold.
Republished from International Paralympic Committee
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