Goalball champions to debut on day one

All 12 of the men’s teams and six of the 10 women’s teams will feature in Thursday’s opener at the Copperbox. 30 Aug 2012

Chinese Goalball Women's Team competing at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

ⒸLieven Coudenys

Defending men’s champions China will take on Iran in the second session of the day, and Canada will play Belgium in a repeat of the 2010 world championships bronze medal match.

Great Britain will open the London 2012 goalball competition with a difficult encounter against the world champions Lithuania.

The men’s team, making their Paralympic debut, face the Beijing 2008 Paralmypic Games silver medallists in Thursday’s opener at the Copperbox.

The match will mark a special occasion for the Knott brothers – Adam and David, who will be appearing in front of a home Paralympic crowd only 18 months after taking up the sport.

It is the first of nine group matches that will take place on day one at the Games and will feature all 12 of the men’s teams and six of the 10 women’s teams.

In the second match from Group A Finland will take on Brazil, followed by Turkey against a strong Swedish outfit who picked up the bronze medal in Beijing. Having narrowly missed out on gold at the last three Paralympics, the Swedes will be hoping to taste success in London and will be sure to start the competition strongly.

Defending men’s champions China will take on Iran in the second session of the day, and Canada will play Belgium in a repeat of the 2010 world championships bronze medal match, which Canada won 7-6.

All of the main contenders for the women’s competition will feature in the evening session at the Copperbox on Thursday.

Great Britain’s women face a tough encounter in their opening match against the world champions and Paralympic silver medallists China. The Chinese narrowly lost out in the final to the USA 6-5 and will be looking to make amends for their disappointment in Beijing. It will be a stern test of Great Britain’s resolve in front of the home crowd.

Bronze medallists in Beijing and winners of the European qualification tournament Denmark take on Brazil in their opening game. The Danes have been making head waves coming into the Paralympics and will be looking to make an impact in London.

Defending champions USA will be on court for the final match of the day. They take on world championship bronze medallists Sweden in a tricky opening game to the competition. The holders of the 2008 Paralympic title will be aiming to set the stall out for further success in London.