A step closer to goalball quarterfinals

Final round of matches on group B of the men’s goalball competition will be decisive to define which teams go to quarterfinals. 03 Sep 2012
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Goalball China X Iran - London 2012

China take on Iran in goalball at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

ⒸGetty Images

Group D in the women’s competition is still wide open with four sides still battling it out to join Japan in the quarter-finals.

The destiny of Algeria, Canada and Korea will be determined in the final round of matches in group B of the men’s goalball competition at the Copper Box on Monday (3 September).

With one remaining qualification place up for grabs in the group, Algeria require just a point to progress through to the quarter-finals when they face Iran.

Canada and Korea will be relying on Iran beating Algeria in that game, and will then have to win their own matches against China and Belgium respectively if they are to have any chance of progressing.

Speaking after their defeat to Algeria on Sunday, Canadian veteran Mario Caron said:

“We should have won 9-3 (against Algeria) but we lost the game because of penalties.” The 50-year old veteran added: “The game against China will probably be my last international match.”

In group C of the women’s competition Denmark face China in a crucial match as they try to keep their hopes of qualifying for the last eight alive.

The Beijing 2008 bronze medallists have lost both of their opening matches and face the prospect of being eliminated on Day 5 of goalball competition unless they pick up a result against the world champions.

Brazil will face Finland in their final game of the group on Day 5. The Brazilians currently lie fourth in the group with three points and victory against the Finns is a must for them if they are to have any chance of making the last eight in the women’s competition.

Group D in the women’s competition is still wide open with four sides still battling it out to join Japan in the quarter-finals.

The Japanese, who lead the group on seven points from their first three matches, take on Canada in their final group game. The Canadians beat Australia 3-1 in their last match and know a win will take them one step closer to the knock-out rounds.

The USA will be hoping to get the defence of their Paralympic title back on track when they face Australia. The Beijing 2008 gold medallists were beaten by Japan last time out and they will be keen to respond.