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13th Sep 2016

This blind player’s wonder goal at the Paralympics would make Roberto Baggio proud

Straight out of Football Italia.

Tom Victor

The Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro have already showcased a phenomenal level of sporting talent.

Some four runners in the men’s 1500m recorded faster times than Olympic champion Matt Centrowitz in his gold medal race, but athletics is not the only sport to showcase some incredible achievements.

Iran took on Morocco in the 5-a-side football tournament, for blind and visually-impaired players, and produced what we’d wager is one of the best goals ever scored in the format – and a more accomplished effort than many of the best goals scored by professional players this season.

After team-mate Hossein Rajabpour had given Iran the lead, Behzad Zadaliasghari received the ball on the left touchline and scored the kind of solo goal which would not look out of place at the highest level.

The close-control displayed to beat four players in a confined space before firing low past the goalkeeper conjures up memories of Roberto Baggio in his pomp – sure, maybe the ponytail helps do that too, but it’s truly a fantastic goal.

Iran won the game 2-0, and can guarantee their passage into the semi-finals by avoiding defeat against host nation Brazil in their final group game.

That match takes place today, at 9:00am local time.

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