Brazil crowned world champions for fourth time

“There were times when fatigue was very large and also the pressure of having to score a goal. When I realised that Jefinho had made the goal, it was a relief that is hard to explain.”

Brazil were crowned world champions for a fourth time on Monday (24 November) after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at the 2014 IBSA Blind Football World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

In a repeat of the 2006 final and a meeting of the only sides who have previously won the world title, a tense final ensued, and despite Argentina hitting the post late on, neither side could find a way to break the deadlock during normal time.

Extra-time followed, and it was an effort from Jefinho, his third goal of the competition, which settled the tie and handed Brazil their record fourth title.

"By the time I kicked the ball, I did not expect it was in,” Jefinho told the Brazilian Paralympic Committee website.

“I think that luck also did its part. The important thing is that I can celebrate this title and the thrill of a goal in a final.”

With six goals, Ricardindo was the competition’s top scorer and awarded player of the tournament. He was pleased to win the world title.

"There was a lot of tension from both teams, on both sides,” he said.

“There were times when fatigue was very large and also the pressure of having to score a goal. When I realised that Jefinho had made the goal, it was a relief that is hard to explain.”

It was a fitting final between the two best sides at the competition throughout, with both collecting the most points in the group stage with seven apiece.

Brazil then beat Germany and China to reach the final, whilst Argentina overcame Colombia and Spain before falling at the final hurdle.

In the battle for the bronze medal, Spain beat China 2-0 on penalties after neither side failed to make a breakthrough in normal time.

It was the third time that the European champions had won a game on penalties in the competition, as they first progressed from the group stage in a playoff shoot-out against South Korea and again in the quarter-finals against Paraguay, before their semi-final shoot-out defeat to Argentina.

For more information, visit the 2014 IBSA Blind Football World Championships website.