Football 7-a-side World Championship underway in Brazil
Three months after the Parapan American Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now welcomes the best football 7-a-side teams of the world. The 16 countries participating in the championship have been competing since November 5th. The competition arena is the same venue used during the Parapan American Games, namely, Deodoro Sports Complex, and spectators have free admission.
Among participating squads, Athens 2004 gold medal winner Ukraine, Rio 2007 Parapan American Games gold winner Brazil, have been displaying their great performance to the public. Ukraine, as the European Champion, Iran, as Asian Champion, and Brazil, as Americas Champion need only to classify among the top 10 positions to ensure their participation in the Beijing Games.
The world championship is the last opportunity to qualify for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, with 7 slots available, plus China, who guarantees its qualification as host country. Finals will be held on November 17th.
For more information about the competition, please visit the offical website at: http://www.ande.org.br/football/#
Photo: Saulo Cruz