Tokyo Olympics Football: Brazil defend Olympics gold medal, beat Spain 2-1 in final- Two of the biggest teams in world football locked horns against each other as Spain played Brazil the Tokyo Olympics Football final.
Spain and Brazil were evenly matched for the first 45 minutes of the game. The 2016 gold medalist managed to break the deadlock just before heading into the tunnel through Cunha. Dani Alves crossed the ball floating it in the air as Cunha controlled hit it into the bottom corner with a lovely finish.
Spain came out all guns blazing it the second half and managed to equalize the score as Mikel Oyarzabal ran across to finish Carlos Soler’s ball finding the top of the net. With both the teams all squared up at the end of 90 minutes, the Tokyo Olympics football final headed into extra time.
Brazil found a match winner in Malcom as the former Barcelona star coming off the bench to score an extra time goal in the 108th minute of the game. His goal was enough for Brazil to retain their gold medals and win the mens’ football event in Olympics for the second time in a row.
Earlier, Brazil had confirmed their berth in the final by registering a 4-1 win over Mexico on penalties. The South American giants saw their match remained all squared up during the regulation time. Richarlison’s header that hit the post in the 82nd-minute being the only major chance for the 2016 Gold medalists across 120 minutes.
Heading into the penalty shootouts, the defending champions heavily relied on Santos. The Brazil keeper managed to save Eduardo Aguirre’s kick while Dani Alves converted his shot to hand his team a lead.
Johan Vásquez could not find the back of the net in what was Mexico’s second failed penalty as Gabriel Martinelli gave Brazil a 2-goal advantage. Bruno Guimarães and Reinier also converted their spot-kicks that helped Brazil emerge victorious in Kashima.
Spain on the other hand headed into the Tokyo Olympics Football final after getting the better of Japan earlier. Both the teams played out an even contest that saw the hosts defend really well and keep their European opponents at bay.
Despite Spain having the better chances, La Roja failed to convert them during the 90 minutes. The first half of extra time also did not yield any result with Marco Asensio’s extra-time winner helping Spain continued their quest for glory.
After losing to Brazil, Spain will now attempt to take with the goal medal once again next time and hopefully rewrite history and win their first goal medal in football since 1992.