- Who has claimed the Paralympic crown?
- 2008:
BRA - 2004:BRA
The Athletes
Team GB’s ‘Blind Gary Lineker’ reminisces about spending double maths with a future WAG…
We caught up with ParalympicsGB blind footballer Keryn Seal to talk horse racing, Welsh anthems and Ossie Ardiles' acting career...
From nine-to-five to five-a-side, meet David Clarke the longest-serving member of the England five-a-side football team...
How it works: Football 5-a-side
Standard football rules apply in 50-minute contests. As the outfield players wear blackout masks, a special ball that rattles with a bell inside is used, while a guide screaming instructions from behind the goal also plays a crucial role.
What you need to know
The only people allowed on the pitch without blindfolds are the goalkeepers, who like all goalkeepers spend a lot of time shouting at their team-mates. Obviously the refs don't wear blindfolds, although it often seems as if they do.
With a wall surrounding the pitch it's a thrill-a-minute game that flows constantly from one end of the pitch to the other, meaning players have to be super-fit. With no throw-ins, corner kicks and prima donna divers to hold things up, there is little time for players or fans to draw breath.
Penalties are awarded for fouls, handballs, goalkeepers stepping outside their box - and also if any player is caught touching their blindfolds. So refs have to have eyes in the back of their heads.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland play as separate nations until the Paralympic Games, when they will - hopefully - put their differences to one side and take to the pitch as Great Britain.
Great Britain didn't play to their full potential going out in the group stages in Beijing, but they have the ability to challenge for a medal on home turf. An 8-4 win for England against the USA showed what they've got.
What to say: Football 5-a-side
Futsal is the original name for 5-a-side football. Otherwise, throw out typical football phrases such as: "It's a game of two halves, mate," and people will think you're a pro.
Who's good: Football 5-a-side
Funnily enough, Brazil. They grabbed gold in 2004 and 2008. Argentina, China and Spain will be out to dethrone them in this year's World Championships, though.
Features
Meet the GB blind football team
Robin Williams introduces his team-mates, including the ladies' man, the Wifi obsessive and the human alarm clock...
Footballers added to ParalympicsGB team
Five and seven-a-side squads named for London 2012
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