Ricardinho scored the vital goal as hosts Brazil claimed the football five-a-side gold medal at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

Favourites Brazil lived up to expectations and sealed their fourth successive five-a-side Paralympic gold after defeating Iran 1-0 in the final at the Olympic Tennis Centre here.

The hosts may have had the weight of a nation’s expectations on their shoulders, but they rarely showed it as they maintained their 100 per cent Paralympics record.

Ricardinho’s first-half goal proved to be the difference as Brazil successfully followed up their triumphs from Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 

Jefinho, one of the home nation’s most influential players, said winning the tournament in Brazil eclipsed all their previous successes.

"I always thought about this moment; listening to our national anthem in a packed stadium at home with a Paralympic gold medal around my neck," he said.

"We are used to winning, but doing it in our country is different and beautiful."

Ricardinho had the first goalscoring opportunity of the match, but Iran goalkeeper Meysam Shojaeiyan cleared the danger.

The stopper was unable to do anything though about Ricardinho’s precise shot that gave Brazil the lead in the 12th minute.  

Iran managed to carve out one opportunity in the first-half through their captain Hossein Rajabpour, but goalkeeper Luan prevented an equaliser.

Brazil continued their dominance after the restart, giving their opponents little chance of levelling the game and seeing out a win that was loudly celebrated by the home fans.

Argentina edged China in the bronze medal match ©Getty Images
Argentina edged China in the bronze medal match ©Getty Images

Earlier in the bronze medal match, Argentina beat China 1-0 on penalties following a scoreless draw.

Maximiliano Espinillo scored the decisive goal to secure the South American nation's third football five-a-side Paralympic medal after claiming silver at Athens 2004 and bronze at Beijing 2008.

China were unable to climb onto the podium as they had done eight years ago on home soil in Beijing, where they took silver.

Argentina’s Froilan Padilla explained how important the medal is for him and his family.

"I am 37 years old - I am not going to leave football but football will leave me soon," he said.

"I know that in a couple of years the coach will not call me. 

"So this was the opportunity of a lifetime, because we depend on a Paralympic medal to have a state pension.

"I played for the food of my family. 

"This is a golden bronze medal for me."