The atmosphere in the completely sold-out stadium at the Eiffel Tower was fantastic. French flags were placed on every seat before kick-off. The whole stadium sang along to the national anthem and the line-up was read out. There was no doubt about the status of this home game.
The fans had even prepared a choreography for the blind football final on Saturday evening; a flag with a blue and white Olympic flame was stretched over the opposite stand. A banner with the inscription “Rendez-vous avec l’histoire” (in English “A reunion with history”) hung on the railing. Possibly an allusion to the World Cup final in sighted football in 2022. At that time, Argentina defeated France on penalties in a highly exciting match.
Argentina with quick response
“Les Bleus” began the match in the stadium directly in front of the Eiffel Tower with a setback. Striker Khalifa Youme could not continue due to injury, and was replaced by Martin Baron. In the early stages, the Argentinian “Albiceleste” had a little more of the game. The first chance belonged to Argentina’s Osvaldo Fernandez, but his shot flew past the right side of the goal. They repeatedly showed promising dribbling, but Maximiliano Espinillo (4th minute) and Fernandez (8th) missed the right moment to score.
France was dangerous on the counterattack – and scored the first goal. Captain Frederic Villeroux started in his own half and scored after a dribble from the left. The ball hit the near post (12th).
Argentina’s answer? It didn’t take long. Immediately after kickoff, Espinillo poked the ball under goalkeeper Alessandro Bartolomucci and into the net: 1:1.
It was a very physical game. Goal scorer Villeroux was cautioned after he pushed his opponent into the boards. The crowd was infected by the hectic atmosphere and had to be asked again and again to be quiet. In blind football, it has to be quiet so that the players can hear the ball with its rattles and their teammates. At halftime, everything was still up in the air under the glittering Eiffel Tower.
The game became more disjointed in the second half. Both teams had a few corners and set pieces, but they did not create any danger. French goalkeeper Bartolomucci had to intervene twice, but he managed to save Espinillo’s shots (22nd, 23rd). Nothing else happened in front of the goals. 27 seconds before the end, France’s Tidiane Diakite was injured. near the boards during a foul. He was unable to continue and was supported by medical staff as he limped to the bench. After two 15-minute periods the score was 1:1. The game had to be decided in a penalty shootout.
Argentina’s first two shooters were not exposed, Espinillo and Rios scored confidently. The French followed undeterred, and Arezki and Baron also scored. Nahuel Hereida stepped up as Argentina’s third shooter – and missed! Bartolomucci dived to the left and saved the shot. Now it was up to Villeroux. He shot – and sent the stadium into ecstasy. The Argentinian goalkeeper had no chance when the shot went into the left corner. Villeroux burst into tears. France unexpectedly won gold in blind football.
© IMAGO/PanoramiC
Brazil had already won the small final against Colombia 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. For Brazil, reaching the match for third place was a big disappointment. In the semi-final, they were defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout – their first defeat ever in a Paralympic tournamentWith the bronze medal they at least achieved a small amount of redemption.
Brazil started dominant, with 61 percent possession in the first half. Nonato was particularly active, and all four of Brazil’s shots were his. However, the lack of precision meant that the teams went into the dressing room with a 0-0 score. Colombia produced very little, with Juan Perez clearly missing the only two shots.
The second half became more competitive, with neither team clearly superior. It was an individual action that gave Brazil the lead. With 6:39 minutes left on the clock, Jefinho dribbled from the right corner. At the six-meter mark, he finished with a pick and put the ball in the left corner. Brazil played the remaining minutes in a controlled manner, and unlucky Nonato had two chances to seal the deal.
The two finals mark the end of a memorable blind football tournament. For France, the final was a return to history, but this time with a happy outcome.
One thing is certain: it will be difficult to create a similarly captivating setting in Los Angeles in 2028.
