Courtesy: London 2012 Paralympic Games


Counting down to 5-a-side Football competition

The Riverbank Arena on the Olympic Park is getting set to host the thrilling 5-a-side Football competition at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Eight teams will battle it out in a sport played by visually-impaired athletes who wear blindfolds to ensure fairness. The only sighted players on the pitch are the goalkeepers: the four outfield players will rely on listening to each other and the ball, which contains a noise-making device, as well as guides on the side of the pitch.

The competition runs from 31 August to 8 September. See the competition schedule.

All athletes will be confirmed following the sport entries deadline on 6 August 2012.

-> Find out more about the sport



Courtesy: London 2012 Paralympic Games


Brazil chasing third successive gold

Brazil will be aiming for a hat-trick of gold medals when the 5-a-side Football competition gets under way at the Riverbank Arena tomorrow.

However, the champions from Athens and Beijing have been handed a tough opener against France, the European champions.

China begin their campaign against an inexperienced Turkey team competing in their first Paralympic Games, with Wang Yafeng likely to be the main goal threat.

Argentina, with the experienced Silvio Velo in their ranks, take on Iran, while Host Nation Great Britain are up against Spain.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com