The Brazilian blind soccer team made a grand debut at the Paris Paralympic Games. Playing in the charming arena at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the team beat Turkey 3-0 on Sunday (1st) and got off to a good start in its quest for its sixth consecutive gold medal in the sport. Nonato (converting two penalties) and Jefinho scored the goals in Brazil’s triumph.
Brazil had the calm to build the score, because they took the lead after six minutes of play. The Turkish goalkeeper held the ball outside the permitted area, committing a penalty. Nonato took the powerful shot and put the Brazilian team ahead.
In the second half, there were two goals in a row. At five minutes, Jefinho made a great play on the left and finished with a cross to extend the lead. Soon after, Ricardinho was brought down. Another penalty for Brazil, converted again by Nonato.
The national team’s second match in Paris will be this Monday (2). Fábio Vasconcelos’ team will face France at 3:30 pm Brasília time. Brazil’s last opponent in the first phase of group A will be China on Tuesday (3). There are eight teams divided into two groups of four each, with the top two advancing to the semifinals.
In Paris, the Brazilian team continues to try to maintain its undefeated status at the Paralympic Games. Since the sport debuted on the program in Athens in 2004, Brazil has never been defeated, now totaling 22 wins and six draws in 28 games. In addition, all five editions of blind football at the Paralympic Games have ended with the Brazilian team as champion.
