Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Mexico clinch Olympic Gold Medal To Triumph One Of The Greatest Upsets in The World

Coutesy from Examiner.com
        There seems high tense atmosphere ahead of the final. Both Brazil and Mexico are seeking the glory for the first ever Olympic Gold medal in their history. As we going down to the final, Brazil have tipped to become a favourites to win the tournament following Spain shock exit and other major contender to win the tournament. Brazil as we know, made a full use of over-age players with a big names in the pond, Hulk, a Porto talisman, Marcelo, a Real Madrid versatile full-back, Thiago Silva, recently finalized a big money move to Paris Saint Germain alongside media dubbed talented youngster, Neymar, Santos's most prized asset, Alexandre Pato, up and coming AC Milan star, Oscar, recently completed Chelsea move, Lucas Moura, recently made a shock a decision to Paris Saint Germain and not to forget Leandro Damiao, an Internacional sought after player. Yet, having such a heavily talented group of players, Brazil unexpectedly failed to deliver when it matters. Mexico likewise, but with a virtually unknown group of talent, is tipped to be highly unlikely to win the tournament given that uprising Manchester United star Javier Hernandez is not on the side and Spurs stalemate Giovani dos Santos suffered an unlucky injury ahead of the final showdown. But Mexico has  proved there is nothing to fear of and give all their might to not just keep up the pressure against Brazil but to steal the Brazil dream along the way.

      It was not Neymar, not Pato, or even Rafael, who made the headlines, it was Oribe Peralta, Santos Laguna striker, who plays in the Mexican league, and also one of over-age players in Mexico national team, dominated the headlines. He open the scoring with the match just entering 29 seconds. To add special to it, FIFA recognized the goal as the fastest in the Olympic history. Fans in the Wembley definitely thrilled with the goal as from that moment on, Brazil struggled to contain Mexico. Brazil at times, looking dangerous in the attacking threat but defence is at the weakest when Mexico attempting counter-attack. Mexico never really troubled with the Brazil relentless attacks as they maintained defending in their own half which gives a little room for Brazil to create chances. Brazil meanwhile posed tireless threat to opposition only to find that they are wasting to much chances and finishing has been poor throughout. Neymar and Leandro Damiao have best chances in the match, only to put it wide off the target and missed significantly in the final touches giving Brazilian fans a distraught feeling. Neymar, while running and dribbling down to the left, looks good to have a chance to score, only to find Mexican defender at the end.

     While Mano Menezes have made a little change towards his formation and tactics, Mexico's tactics run smoothly in the process. They have been playing counter-attacking games and always have a solution to defy Brazil's attacking threat. Brazil, in the 75th minutes, still didn't manage to find equaliser, punished by Mexico again when they conceded a free kick and the man of the match Peralta make amends with a firm header that almost seal Brazil's fate. Mexico hoped to retain the two goals until in the final minute to give them the very first gold medal ever in the Olympic history. Hulk, left Brazil a glimmer of hope after scoring in the 91st minute in the injury time. But what Brazilian fans would have feel when a cross from Hulk somewhat managed to find Oscar but he head it wide off the target of what would have been an absolute sitter. This final will go down as one of the biggest final upset in football tournament.