The squad who won in Athens were presented with commemorative plaques to mark the tenth anniversary of winning the first of three Paralympic titles.

The presentation took place on the famous turf of the legendary Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro prior to a Brazilian Cup match between Maracanã and América de Natal.

Three of that squad - Marquinhos, Damião and Bill - are still playing and aiming to be selected take part at Rio 2016. 

"I have great memories of winning Brazil's gold medal in Athens," said 31-year-old winger Marquinhos.

"It brought many things to our sport: more funding, more recognition from sponsors and improved training conditions."

The team are now coached by Fábio Vasconcelos, goalkeeper in the gold-medal winning teams at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 

"Expectations are high, since we have never played in a competition on this scale at home," he said. 

"We can't wait to get the ball rolling and hear the crowd cheering us on."

Brazilian football great Romário presents special plaques to the members of Brazil's gold medal winning squad from Athens 2004 at the Maracanã  ©Rio 2016



Brazil are the undoubted kings of five-a-side football, winning three world titles and six Copa Américas that includes an unbeaten run in major tournaments stretching back to 2007.

Star forward Jefinho, a gold medallist at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, claimed Rio 2016 will be the highlight of his career.

"As the Paralympic Games get closer, we can't wait for them to begin," he said.

"It will be a great moment for all of us, probably the most important in our careers, and we are going to do everything to win for the Brazilian people, who will be there, cheering us on."

Jefinho will be hoping to weave his magic and help Brazil to a fourth Paralympic title at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images


Jefinho and the rest of the current Brazilian are currently in a training camp near Rio as they put the final touches to preparations for next month's World Championships in Tokyo, due to take place November 13 to 25.

Brazil are the defending champions after overcoming Spain in the 2010 final in Hereord, England.

The winners of next month's World Championships will qualify for Rio 2016 - Brazil are already assured of a place as hosts - while the remaining six places in the Paralympics will be decided at continental qualifying tournaments in 2015.

Should Brazil win, then the runners-up will take the automatic place.

"We have only one objective, and that's the title," said Jefinho.

"The World Championship is the second most important competition for five-a-side and we have been preparing since the beginning of the year, training hard to reach 100 per cent fitness for Rio 2016.

"Our sights have been set on the Paralympic medal since the beginning of the cycle and playing just gives us more and more confidence."

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