That’s how you win gold! Brazilian blind footballer Raimundo Mendes dribbles past two defenders before firing into the top corner to hand his team Paralympics glory over bitter rivals Argentina
- Blind footballer Raimundo Mendes scored a screamer against Argentina
- He dribbled beautifully around two players before finishing it in the top corner
- Brazil beat Argentina 1-0 and they win gold medal in the men’s five-a-side
Brazil’s Paralympic team won gold medal in the men’s five-a-side football final against bitter rivals Argentina thanks to Raimundo Mendes’ well-taken goal.
Mendes found himself in possession of the ball with eight minutes remaining in the second half and what followed was remarkable.
He dribbled beautifully around two players and finished it off in-style with the outside of his left foot into the top corner as he ran off to celebrate with his team-mates.
Brazil’s Raimundo Mendes was up against two defenders with eight minutes remaining
Mendes then dribbled around both of Argentina’s defenders in emphatic fashion
He then rifled an unstoppable shot into the top corner to give his side the lead
He ran to his teammates to celebrate the goal which eventually secured gold for Brazil
Brazil dominated on their route to the final as they conceded no goals in their 3-0 win vs China, 5-0 win vs Japan, 4-0 win vs France and the 1-0 win against Morocco in the semifinal.
Wild celebrations followed after the final whistle as Brazil won their fifth consecutive goal medal.
They’ve won Gold on all occasions since 2005 – when the sport was introduced to the Paralympics.
Brazil have won all of the gold medals in Paralympics football since it was introduced in 2005
In the Bronze medal match, Morocco were too strong for China as four goals from forward Zouhair Snisla helped them to a comfortable 4-0 win.
Brazil currently sit 7th in the Paralympics medal table with 77 medals – 22 of them being gold.
Paralympic five-a-side football involves four visually impaired outfield players who must wear blackout shades, as well as a fully or partially sighted goalkeeper, who can’t leave the penalty box.