Gold for Mexico
- Saturday,
Brazil 1-2 Mexico
London 2012 Olympics
Men's Football
The Final
by Gerry Cox
Oribe Paralta scored twice as Mexico stunned Brazil to win gold in the men's Olympic Football tournament at Wembley.
The Mexican striker stunned the highly-fancied Brazilians with a goal after barely 30 seconds, and added a second in the 75th minute to secure gold, with Hulk's stoppage-time goal little consolation for the boys from Brazil.
Even with superstars such as Neymar, Oscar and Hulk on show, Brazil could not match the teamwork and desire of the Mexicans, whose first Olympic title sparked celebrations in their home country.
“What an emotion this is," said the Mexico coach Luis Fernando Tena. "There will be parties in the streets of Mexico and this is a moment of great joy.
"It was wonderful to see my team sing the national anthem with gold medals round their necks.”
The samba beat was silenced inside the first minute when Manchester United defender Rafael hit a short pass to Spurs midfielder Sandro that was cut out by Javier Aquino. Paralta took full advantage to send a low shot past Gabriel in the Brazil goal from 20 yards.
By the time Paralta powered in a header to make it 2-0 with 15 minutes to go, Brazil had missed a hatful of chances, with Neymar and Marcello wasteful and only Hulk showing the sort of form to match his price tag.
Paralta, by contrast, could have had a hat-trick but had an effort ruled out for offside, while his team-mate Marco Fabian hit the bar with an overhead shot.
Even after Hulk shot home in stoppage time, Chelsea's new signing Oscar missed a great chance to take the game into extra time by putting his header over the bar from close range.
“I am very sad we didn't win,” said Brazil's coach Mano Menezes.
“We believed until the end we had a chance of getting gold but it was not to be. We suffered from a poor goal after 30 seconds that forced us to change our play. Mexico were strong throughout the match and we acknowledge the fact they were the better team. We congratulate them for the result.”
Mexico's Diego Reyes added: "This is a dream made into reality. Brazil is a super power but we knew we could beat them. We have a great team with spirit and thank God we won this. Now Mexico is getting more recognition as a football nation."
