Brazil retain Olympics gold in Tokyo courtesy Malcom

By
Ankita Nandy
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Matheus Cunha (R). (Source: Siapgrak)

Tokyo: Malcom scored an extra-time winner as Brazil pipped Spain 2-1 in the final to win a back-to-back Olympics gold medal in men’s football in Tokyo on Saturday Olympics. In 2016, Brazil had defeated Germany in the final via a penalty shootout at home.

Matheus Cunha scored the opener for Brazil in the 47th minute. However, Mikel Oyarzabal scored the equaliser for Spain just after the hour mark to force the game to extra time. Malcom did the rest on 108 minutes.

In doing so, Brazil became the fifth team after Argentina, Hungary, Great Britain and Uruguay to retain their gold medal at the Olympics. Argentina won back-to-back gold medals in 2004 and 2008. Brazil could have had it easy when they were awarded a penalty owing to a foul on Cunha by Unai Simon.

But Richarlison sent over the crossbar. Although minutes later it was Cunha who took Brazil forward. Brazil captain, Dani Alves said, “I’m happy to have achieved the aim. We knew we were going to have a tough day against Spain because it’s a very difficult rival.

“Our strategy worked out. I must be honest, this is one of the happiest days in my career. To have been selected for the Olympics and be here was already a victory for me. It was an honour. I knew it was a unique opportunity for me.

“Things have worked out well and we leave with the biggest prize of all. Now all I’m missing is the World Cup! Let’s see if I can continue to play. Football changes and to dream is free but to execute those dreams, is more difficult,” added Alves.

Mexico took bronze after they defeated Japan 3-1 in the bronze medal playoff match.

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