France wins gold in blind football at Paralympics under Eiffel Tower lights

PARIS (AP) — France defeated Argentina 3-2 on penalties under the lights of the Eiffel Tower for the gold medal in blind football on the penultimate day of the Paralympic Games.

Frederic Villeroux scored the decisive spot kick to get the partisan home fans’ party underway after the teams drew 1-1 in normal time on Saturday.

Villeroux made the breakthrough in the 12th minute when he rifled a shot inside the left post, but Argentine star forward Maximiliano Espinillo replied from close range straight away after the French defenders failed to clear the ball.

France is the first team other than Brazil to win blind football at a Paralympics. Brazil had won all five previous golds since it was first played at the 2004 Athens Games.

The five-time defending champion, which had never lost a match, was consoled by the bronze medal after a 1-0 win over Colombia thanks to a fierce strike from Jefinho in the 24th minute.

Known as the “Paralympic Pelé” because of speed and skill, Jefinho scored in off the left post despite facing two defenders, setting off a roar of appreciation around the Eiffel Tower Stadium.

Blind football is an adaptation of soccer for teams of five players with an audible ball of rattles. The four outfield players must be classified as completely blind, while the goalkeeper is sighted and instructs his teammates where to go. A guide behind the opposition goal also instructs the attacking players.

Though the four outfield Argentine players couldn’t have seen the sea of French flags around the Eiffel Tower Stadium, they would have heard the fevered rendition of the French anthem around them, and the chants of “Allez les Bleus” from the home crowd. The fans were quiet when the ball was in play so the players could hear their guides’ instructions.

As fulltime approached, the supporters started a boisterous Mexican wave during a break in play. It continued silently when play resumed – so the players would not be disturbed.