Sep 18, 2016, 2:47 PM

National 5-a-side footballers finish vice-champion in Rio

National 5-a-side footballers finish vice-champion in Rio

TEHRAN, Sep. 18 (MNA) – Iran’s national 5-a-side football squad conceded a defeat against host Brazil to finish in the second place at 2016 Summer Paralympic Games.

Iran’s outfit missed the title after losing 1-nil to Brazilian rivals at the gold match competition held on Saturday at the Olympic Tennis Center.

The silver medal, however, marks the first ever Paralympic trophy ever achieved by visually impaired Iranian footballers though they had previously shined in 2014 Asian Para Games in South Korea’s Incheon.

Only 12 minutes after the final showdown had begun, Ricardinho netted the only goal of the match in favor of Brazil.

The Iranian side, deeply affected by the demise of their compatriot Para cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad, spared no effort to score an equalizer though the contest ended 1-nil.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s 5-a-side football team overcame China 1-nil in penalty shoot-out and stood on the third podium.

Football 5-a-side, full of amazing dribbles and shooting, is the visually impaired version of the world’s most popular sport and has been part of the Paralympic Games since Athens 2004.

Iranian para athletes have so far bagged seven gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals to stand in the 20th spot in overall medal standings with a total of 23 medals.

HA/3772059

News ID 119812

Tags

Your Comment

You are replying to: .
  • captcha