Paris 2024: Great Britain earn first men’s wheelchair basketball semi win in 28 years
Great Britain’s men’s wheelchair basketball team made it to the final for the first time since 1996. They beat Germany 71-43 in the semifinals. Gregg Warburton led Great Britain with 35 points.
“We came here to win gold,” said Warburton. “We’re ready for the final.”
In the other semifinal, the USA defeated Canada 80-43. Brian Bell scored 31 points, and Jake Williams added 20. The USA had a strong fourth quarter, limiting Canada to just four points.
Great Britain will face the USA for gold on September 7. Germany will play Canada for bronze. The women’s semifinals are on September 6, with China playing the USA and the Netherlands facing Canada.
USA and China to Face Off Again in Women’s Sitting Volleyball Final
China’s women’s sitting volleyball team won their semifinal against Canada in three straight sets. The USA beat Brazil 3-1 in their semifinal. This sets up another final between China and the USA, their fifth in a row.
China has made the Paralympic women’s sitting volleyball final six times, and the USA won gold in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
In the men’s semifinals, Bosnia and Herzegovina won 3-0 against Germany. Iran defeated Egypt 3-1. Bosnia and Herzegovina will play Iran for the gold medal, while Germany and Egypt will compete for bronze. The women’s finals will be on September 7, with China and the USA playing for gold and Canada and Brazil for bronze.
Argentina Upsets Brazil in Blind Football Semifinals
In a surprising result, Argentina defeated Brazil in a penalty shootout to reach the blind football final. After two scoreless halves, Osvaldo Fernandez scored the winning penalty kick.
“It felt like the ball was incredibly heavy,” Fernandez said. “When I realized it went in, I felt a huge relief.”
France also made it to the final by winning 1-0 against Colombia, with a goal from captain Frederic Villeroux. This will be France’s first blind football final since London 2012.
“Colombia is a strong team,” said Villeroux. “We’ve exceeded our goal of reaching the semifinals and now we aim to win the final.”
