Groups Decided for London 2012 Goalball Competition

Athletes in a game of Goalball.

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With just four months to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, the draw for the men’s and women’s Goalball competition has taken place today (30 April) in London.

Twelve teams were drawn into two groups of six for the men’s competition, and 10 teams into two groups of five for the women’s.

The men’s draw will see Great Britain face Beijing 2008 silver medallists Lithuania, as well as Beijing 2008 bronze medallists Sweden in the group stages. Defending champions China will again face Iran in the group stage, the only team they suffered defeat to on their way to the 2008 gold medal.

The women’s draw pits Great Britain against teams including China and Denmark, while in the other group the USA will face teams including Sweden and Australia.

'Fantastic competition'

International Blind Sports Federation Goalball Chairman Kari Marklund said: 'We now have two balanced groups in both the men’s and women’s competition. The skill of the individual players and the teamwork is improving from year to year.

'It is impossible to predict medallists and I’m looking forward to a fantastic competition.'

The draw means that teams will now be able to more clearly plan their potential routes to Paralympic glory in the summer.

Men's full Goalball draw

Group A

Lithuania

Great Britain

Finland

Brazil

Turkey

Sweden

Group B

China

Iran

South Korea

Algeria

Canada

Belgium

Women's full Goalball draw

Group A

China

Great Britain

Denmark

Brazil

Finland

Group B

USA

Sweden

Australia

Japan

Canada