The Spanish national blind football team beat defending champions France by a single goal in the final of the 9th IBSA European Blind Football Championships in the B1 (totally blind) category, played last Saturday in Loano, Italy.
 

France started the game well and were in control in the initial stages, but failed to break through the tight Spanish defence. Following seven or eight minutes of French domination the Spaniards started to move forward but defences came out on top and the first half ended goalless. The result stayed the same until 12 minutes into the second half, when Vicente Aguilar scored the only goal of the final following a solo run.
 

Strong Spanish defending allowed France just two shots on goal during the whole game, while Spain shot 11 times.
 

The victory over arch rivals France means Spain has now taken seven of the nine European Championships held to date, with France winning two titles.

Spanish coach Jesús Bargueiras highlighted the players’ determination to win back the European crown: “The players were dedicated and made a huge effort every day, and this is what won us the competition. Winning the European title back after losing it six years ago is a very positive step for the team.”
 

“I’d also like to congratulate and thank all the backroom staff…the doctor, the physio, the guide…everybody, but above all I’m delighted for the players.”

Final rankings 9th IBSA European Blind Football Championships

1 Spain
2 France
3 Turkey
4 Germany
5 Russia
6 Italy
7 Greece
8 England
 
For more information on football for visually impaired players contact [email protected].