Brazil's blind soccer team clinches spot in Paris Games
Today (Aug. 23), Brazil's blind soccer team will go head-to-head with China in the semi-finals of the World Cup, as they chase their dream of becoming six-time world champions. This competitive event, a part of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games, is currently underway in Birmingham, England.
However, the team has already secured its spot at the upcoming Paralympic Games, slated for Paris, France, in 2024. They clinched a victory over France, securing a 1-0 win on Tuesday (22), during the quarterfinals of the Paralympic World Cup.
Qualification was assured due to the World Cup's format, which guarantees the top three teams a coveted spot in the Paris Games. Furthermore, as China, another semi-finalist in this competition had already secured their place in the forthcoming Paralympics as the reigning Asian champions, the Brazilian team also clinched their spot in this grand sporting event set for 2024.
The decisive goal, which secured their place in both the semi-finals of the World Cup and the 2024 Paralympic Games, was scored just seven minutes before the end of the second half. Jardiel advanced the ball, covering half the pitch, evaded his marker, and passed it into the penalty area to Raimundo Nonato, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
