Hosts down Denmark to claim gold in Wheelchair Rugby
Captain Anthony McDaniel inspired Team USA to a 28-18 win over Denmark.
Eric Rodriguez opened the scoring for Team USA but the Danes continued to peg the hosts back, but with the score at 5-4 the hosts then started to pull away to victory.
The pick of the scoring saw McDaniel, a former sergeant from the United States Marine Corps, go through every obstacle in front of him under pressure, he then played the ball to Jorge Salazar to make it 10-5.
Later McDaniel under pressure found himself making a pass with one wheel in the air and almost toppled over but the skipper kept his balance to play the ball to Salazar who scored again to make it 12-7.
With seconds remaining in the first half McDaniel beautifully added to the score sheet whilst containing possession. Keeping the ball and winding the clock down, McDaniel then wheeled inside Danish defenders to put the ball over the line.
The match was notable for the defensive displays with McDaniel and Peters often thwarted by the opposition blocking off their attacks.
For the Danes, Mark Peters was the star man, they were at their best when the play went through their skipper. Peters’ battle with McDaniel was entertaining to watch. With the score at 17-9 McDaniel broke away after winning possession and was certain to score but was stopped by Peters close to the line.
McDaniel, Rodriguez and Salazar continued to add to the scoring for the hosts as they secured gold.
