Saturday, November 25th, 2023.- The Brazilian blind football team confirmed their favoritism and prowess by winning the gold medal in the final played tonight against Colombia, in a match held at the Estadio Nacional’s Centro de Deportes Paralímpicos. The only goal for the "canarinha" was scored by Ricardo Alves, at the 13th minute of the game. 

In the match for the fifth place, Mexico won against Peru in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time. Thus, Brazil won the gold medal, Colombia the silver, and Argentina the bronze in blind football at the Parapan American Games. 

It's worth noting that this discipline involves athletes with visual impairments. It is played with a sound-emitting ball, and two teams of five players each participate. Using patches and goggles, they receive verbal guidance and instructions from the goalkeeper, coach, and guide with the aim of scoring goals against the opposing team. This sport is an adapted version of conventional indoor football. 

Written by Ernesto Bustos B. – Patricio Cabello; translated by Rocio Rojas / Santiago 2023 via Photosport
Photo by Javier Valdés / Santiago 2023 via Photosport