Monday, November 20th, 2023.- Argentina qualified for the quarterfinals of goalball at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games by narrowly defeating Mexico 9-7 in a tight match this morning at the Centro de Deportes Paralímpicos at the Parque Estadio Nacional.

The Argentinian team took advantage of the significant contribution from the Almada sisters to secure victory over the Mexicans. Mariela scored five goals, and Graciela scored four to tip the balance against the North Americans in the final minute of the game.

Mexico had been in the lead, with four goals from Adriana Carrillo, a brace from Sara Olguín, and another from María Guadalupe Angulo, but they couldn't maintain the lead until the end.

"It was a hard-fought match. Sometimes nerves work against you, but we tried to keep a cool head and improve our blocking. I am very happy because we were able to advance to the next phase, which is very important. The level is very nice," said Graciela Almada.

Argentina now leads the female's Group C, although the favorite is Brazil, who have two games remaining. In Group D, Chile and the United States top the standings.

Goalball is a sport for individuals with visual impairments, where two teams of three players each compete to score goals by getting the ball into the opponent's goal while preventing it from entering their own.

Written by Camila Silva y Nicolás Olea; translated by Pía Barriga Ferry / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport
Photo by Paula Letelier / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport