Brazil defend soccer title with 2-1 victory over China at Beijing Paralympics

Source: Xinhua | 09-17-2008 18:54

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Brazil showed their supremacy in the men's soccer 5-a-side tournament here on Wednesday as the defending champion edged China 2-1 to retain gold at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

China's Wang Yafeng, the lone target man in front, burst past two defenders and made a cool finish before the surging Brazilian keeper Fabio Ribeiro to break the deadlock in the 24th minute.

But the "samba" side showed their elegant techniques only five minutes after the rest when Ricardo Alves's free kick flew over the defenders' wall directly to reach the dead corner.

After the equalizer made, the defending champion grasped the momentum tightly with their much skillfull touch with balls despite the players could only judge the situation by hearing the coach's guides. Marcos Felipe' penalty in the 50th minute beat a diving save from keeper Xia Zheng and sealed the victory.

Though failing to top the podium with one step further, the inexperienced Chinese team never stopped trying and was rewarded by the cheerful crowd with a standing ovation after the final.

"We have tried whatever we could in this match. Losing the gold, we are a little bit down now, but after all it was our first time in Paralympics, I'm proud of ourselves. Thanks for everyone support us, believe me, we could do better in the future," said scorer Wang who was choked with sobs, with tears welling up in his eyes.