 "Argentina players celebrate after winning the semi-final blind football match between Argentina and Brazil at the 2024 Paralympics. AP")
The streak is over for the Brazilian men’s blind football team.
The Brazilians had never lost in 20 years of Paralympic competition — until rival Argentina beat them 4-3 in a penalty shootout Thursday night to reach the final.
After a goalless draw, Argentina led the shootout 4-3 before Brazil striker Ricardinho’s penalty hit the post, sealing Argentina’s semifinal victory at the Paris Paralympics.
Brazil had dominated the sport, winning five consecutive gold medals since blind football was introduced to the Paralympics program in 2004.
Argentina’s players, led by striker Maximiliano Espinillo, who scored the opening penalty, celebrated on the pitch with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
“Today my little ones, as I call my teammates, made me really happy,” Argentina defender Froilan Padilla said. “They left everything on the pitch.”
Argentina, who won the world championship last year, will face France on Saturday for the gold medal.