A decisive day for Goalball

Great Britain, Korea, Canada and Algeria men’s team depend on a result to make it through to the final eight. 02 Sep 2012

Goalball at London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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Both sides Canada and Algeria men's teams have won just one of their opening three games each and this will be a pivotal encounter in determining who will make it through to the final eight.

Great Britain women’s team will be looking to record their first win in group C when they face Brazil on Sunday morning in the Copperbox.

The host nation earned their first point of the tournament in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Finland on Friday, and will be looking to back that up with a win against the Brazilians who were thrashed 8-0 by China last time out.

Australia face Canada in group D with both sides looking to record their first win of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, while Japan come up against Sweden on the back of their surprise 2-1 victory over the USA team on Saturday.

Japan coach Masae Komiya believes that their change in playing style is becoming more evident in the London 2012 Paralympic Games: “So far, our practice has been focused on the defence. That is the traditional way of practising.”

She added: “Since Beijing we have changed our tactic and concentrated on our offensive play. We are now quick in attack.”

Iran will take on Korea in group B of the men’s competition as they look to hit back after their shock defeat to Belgium on Saturday night. Whilst a win for Iran would confirm their progression through to the quarterfinals, Korea are in need of a result to keep their hopes of progressing alive.

Belgium face world champions China in the afternoon session – with both sides on two wins after their opening three matches.

In the final game of the day from group B in the men’s competition Canada will play Algeria. Both sides have won just one of their opening three games each and this will be a pivotal encounter in determining who will make it through to the final eight.

Great Britain men’s team must win against Finland if they are to have any chance of progressing out of group A. Having led 3-1 on Saturday against Sweden, the hosts were then pegged back and ending up drawing 3-3.

Despite the ominous outlook Michael Sharkey still believes the host nation can progress through the group stages: “We've looked at the teams we're up against and we want to get to the quarters. Once we're there, you never know.

“At tournaments like this the pressure can even get to the top teams and that gives us a chance.”

Lithuania will face Sweden on the back of their shock 12-5 defeat to Brazil on Saturday. The world champions will be looking to return to winning ways against the Beijing 2008 bronze medallists.

In the final game of the day Turkey will face Brazil. The Turks have already booked a place in the final eight of the competition after three wins in as many matches. A win for Brazil would see them secure their qualification from the group as well.