Paris 2024: Argentina advance to blind football final, denying Brazil sixth gold
Argentina has advanced to the final of the blind football tournament at the Paris 2024 Paralympics after defeating Brazil on penalties. Brazil, who had won gold at every Paralympics since the sport began in 2004, lost 4-3 in the shootout after the game ended 0-0 in regulation time.
In the tense shootout, Osvaldo Fernandez scored the winning penalty kick. The 26-year-old, who is making his Paralympic debut, celebrated with his teammates at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.
Fernandez said, “It’s a dream come true for every kid from Argentina. It’s an amazing feeling. When I took the penalty, it felt like the ball was extremely heavy. When I realized it went in, I felt a huge relief.”
Argentina will play against France in the final, which will be held at the Eiffel Tower Stadium. This is a repeat of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, which Argentina won. It will be Argentina’s third time in the blind football final, after winning silver in Tokyo 2020.
Fernandez, reflecting on his journey, said he was thinking about his family and his battle with cancer while preparing for his penalty. “I thought about my dad, my nephew, and the cancer I overcame two years ago. That’s why I cried when we won,” he said. “Being here is a dream, and I’m trying to enjoy it.”
The match ended when Brazil’s Ricardo Steinmetz Alves missed his penalty. Brazil will now play Colombia for the bronze medal. Steinmetz Alves commented, “It hurts to miss such an important penalty. Argentina is a strong team.”
The Argentinian team celebrated together on the pitch, especially honoring veteran player Froilan Padilla, who will retire after these Games. Padilla said, “My teammates made me really happy today. They gave their all on the field.”
Argentina is preparing for a tough final against France, the reigning European champions, who will have the home crowd behind them. “We know the crowd will be against us, but we’ll try to enjoy the match, just like the World Cup final,” said Fernandez.
France Advances to Final
Earlier, Frederic Villeroux scored in the final minutes of the first semifinal to give France a 1-0 win over Colombia. This is the second time France has reached the blind football finals.
Villeroux said, “Colombia is a great team, and it was a close game. I’m happy we won and reached the final.”
The match started in the rain, but the weather improved, and the crowd grew louder. In blind football, spectators must stay quiet while the ball is in play. The ball has bells inside to help players locate it, and athletes wear eyeshades.
A French fan at the game said, “It was my first time watching blind football, and I loved it. I didn’t know the sport existed before. I enjoyed the communication between the players and the positive atmosphere.”
Colombia, who reached the semifinals by beating Morocco 1-0, believes they will become a strong team in future Paralympics. Lino Nicolas Coca Castro said, “I’m grateful to the team. I’m sure we’ll be Paralympic champions next time.”
