When it comes to football rivalries it does not get much more intense than Brazil and Argentina, and in Paralympic 5-a-side football, for athletes with a visual impairment, it is no different. However, off the field the atmosphere among the opposing players is respectful, cordial and, in some cases, even friendly.

“When any team in a green and yellow shirt steps onto the pitch, we know that it will be a very strong side,” says Argentinian player Marcelo Paniza. “We never underestimate Brazil and we always give it all we have when we play them.”.

And yet, to this day the Argentine effort against their South American neighbours has been somewhat innocuous. In the final of the 2014 world championship in Japan, Brazil beat Argentina 1-0, winning their fourth title. The Brazilians have also won all three gold medals contested at the Paralympic Games.

Three gold medals and still hungry… Brazil’s 5-a-side footballers set sights on glory in Rio

But today the Argentines are relishing the opportunity of snatching the Olympic title from the hands of their rivals in their own backyard. “It would be something spectacular, something that’s never happened before, something tremendous for my country,” Paniza says.

Jefinho (right) says there are no secrets between the Brazilians and Argentines (Photo: CBDV-Inovafoto/Bruno Miani)

Compatriot Ivan Figueroa agrees. “It would be beautiful to have two countries of footballing tradition fighting it out for a gold medal,” he says. “I’m sure that if we get to the final, it will be a respectful match, but this time, I hope it will be us walking away with a win.”

And this mutual respect that Figueroa expects is echoed in the words of Paniza. “Off the field we do have friendships, especially with the more veteran players, like Jefinho, Ricardinho and Cássio. They even invite us to play with them in the Brazilian league.”

Jefinho, the Pele of Paralympic football, carries Rio 2016 Olympic Torch in Salvador

Fierce competition

But neither side is under any illusions. If one thing is certain at these Paralympic Games, there will be fierce competition for medals. “All the groups are tough because they have the champions of Europe, Asia and Africa – Morroco,” says Argentinian coach Martin Demonte. “I thought, for example, that facing Morroco would be the easiest, but I’ve seen that’s not the case. Their number nine (Hattab Abderrazak) is very good, he does things I’ve never seen another player do.”

The Brazilian coach Fábio Vasconcelos also appears to be exercising caution in the hunt for a fourth Olympic gold. “Before, we knew who would be in the final or the semi-finals, but today it’s different. 5-a-side football is evolving.”

Among the other medal contenders are European champions Turkey, who sounded confident when the groups were drawn in April.