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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jonathan Spencer

Brazilian blind footballer scores brilliant solo goal to seal Paralympics gold

Brazil reigned supreme in the men's Paralympics five-aside football tournament after beating their arch rivals Argentina 1-0 in Tokyo.

And Brazil had one player to thank in particular following an incredible piece of skill against the Argentines.

Raimundo Mendes left those watching on in awe following a brilliant solo goal that clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.

With just eight minutes remaining in the showpiece final, Mendes got hold of the ball before dribbling past two opponents in close capacity.

And he didn't panic in front of goal either, producing an emphatic finish into the top corner with the outside of his left foot.

Raimundo Mendes (left) celebrates after clinching gold for Brazil following his moment of magic (Getty Images)

That moment of magic from Mendes - what was his sixth goal of the Paralympics - was enough for Brazil, as they held on for the remaining minutes in Tokyo to triumph.

It was very much a deserved triumph for Mendes and his Brazilian team-mates, having been in formidable form all the way to the final.

The Brazilians dominated throughout, and kept clean sheets in their 3-0 win vs China, 5-0 victory vs Japan, 4-0 triumph vs France and the 1-0 win against Morocco at the semi-final stage.

And they again kept out their opponents Argentina in the final on Saturday night.

Brazil are the dominant country in the tournament, remaining the only team to have won the sport since its inaugural outing at a Games back in 2004.

Brazil are currently seventh in the Paralympics medal standings with 77 to their name - with 22 golds, 19 silvers and 30 bronzes to their name.

Raimundo Mendes dribbled past two defenders before striking home to win gold for Brazil (@Paralympics/Twitter)
Mendes strikes home with the outside of his foot into the top corner (@Paralympics/Twitter)

China are dominating the Paralympics table with 200 medals overall - 78 more than ParalympicsGB in second.

China have bagged a remarkable 93 gold medals, 57 silvers and 50 bronzes overall.

Meanwhile, in the bronze medal play-off, Morocco thrashed China 4-0 to win the country's first Paralympic medal outside of athletics at the Tokyo Games.

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