Brazil 3-0 Belgium
Brazil claimed Olympic bronze this afternoon after defeating Belgium by three goals to nil. Diego gave the Brazilians the lead which was doubled by Jo just before half-time, despite heavy Belgian pressure. The Manchester City striker completed a brace in the 90th minute...
After suffering the ignominy of a humiliating 3-0 reverse at the hands of fierce rivals Argentina in the semi-finals, Dunga’s Brazil were eager to take consolation from the bronze medal match in China today.
First Half:
The Brazilians started brightly, with Jo making some effective early running in the absence of the under-utilised Alexandre Pato.
Ronaldinho pulled the strings early on for the South Americans, his clever passing and crossing proved marginally elusive for Jo, who struggled to remain onside during the early passages of play.
Ronaldinho's free-kick found the head of the towering Alex Silva on 25 minutes, but his effort was directed over the crossbar.
The Brazilian number 10 was booked for diving shortly after; the referee was adamant that the Milan playmaker feigned injury under the challenge of De Roover.
Brazil were ahead within a minute of the booking however, through Werder Bremen’s Diego.
The opener, when it came, was well fashioned and well taken. Jo fed Rafinha on the right wing. The Schalke full-back crossed strongly for Diego to steal between two Belgian defenders to control a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Belgium responded positively, and should have levelled before the interval. Martin Maertens was growing in stature, and his cross for Mirallas on the half hour went agonisingly unrewarded as Rafinha was beaten all ends up on the by-line.
De Roover then slipped Maertens through on goal, his effort on this occasion however, was blocked down and the chance was extinguished.
The Europeans had their best chance of the half shortly after, De Mul crossed for the skipper Maertens to strike a half volley. The Brazilian rear-guard held firm again to deflect the chance away.
In first half injury time, the Belgians were hit with a sucker punch. Ramires was prompted by Ronaldinho and his shot was half blocked by Bailly in goal. The ball squirmed under his body however, and Manchester City’s Jo was on hand to double the Brazilian lead against the run of play.
Second Half:
After the break, Diego fired a shot narrowly off target before the game became gradually subdued. Haroun threatened to head Belgium level on 67 minutes from Pocognoli’s cross but his effort was wayward.
Thiago Silva, on for the injured Breno, went close for the Brazilian’s shortly after, as the South Americans ratcheted-up the pressure.
The Belgian side had the best of the remainder of the encounter, aside from one Marcelo volley, with Vertonghen, De Roover and Haroun all forcing Renan into action as the game edged towards injury time.
Not to be denied, Brazil once again hit their opponents with an injury time blow; Diego released Jo centrally as Belgium poured forward in search of a consolation. The City forward held off Vermaelen to blast Brazil into the medal placings.
Line Ups:
Brazil: Renan - Rafinha, Marcelo, Breno (Thiago Silva 70'), Alex Sliva - Hernanes, Anderson, Ramires - Diego, Ronaldino - Jo.
Belgium: Bailly - De Roover, Vermaelen, Pocognoli, Simaeys - Vertonghen, Haroun, Maertens - Dembele, De Mul, Mirallas (Vanden Borre 58').
Goals:
Brazil:
Diego 27', Jo 45', 90'
First Half:
The Brazilians started brightly, with Jo making some effective early running in the absence of the under-utilised Alexandre Pato.
Ronaldinho pulled the strings early on for the South Americans, his clever passing and crossing proved marginally elusive for Jo, who struggled to remain onside during the early passages of play.
Ronaldinho's free-kick found the head of the towering Alex Silva on 25 minutes, but his effort was directed over the crossbar.
The Brazilian number 10 was booked for diving shortly after; the referee was adamant that the Milan playmaker feigned injury under the challenge of De Roover.
Brazil were ahead within a minute of the booking however, through Werder Bremen’s Diego.
The opener, when it came, was well fashioned and well taken. Jo fed Rafinha on the right wing. The Schalke full-back crossed strongly for Diego to steal between two Belgian defenders to control a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Belgium responded positively, and should have levelled before the interval. Martin Maertens was growing in stature, and his cross for Mirallas on the half hour went agonisingly unrewarded as Rafinha was beaten all ends up on the by-line.
De Roover then slipped Maertens through on goal, his effort on this occasion however, was blocked down and the chance was extinguished.
The Europeans had their best chance of the half shortly after, De Mul crossed for the skipper Maertens to strike a half volley. The Brazilian rear-guard held firm again to deflect the chance away.
In first half injury time, the Belgians were hit with a sucker punch. Ramires was prompted by Ronaldinho and his shot was half blocked by Bailly in goal. The ball squirmed under his body however, and Manchester City’s Jo was on hand to double the Brazilian lead against the run of play.
Second Half:
After the break, Diego fired a shot narrowly off target before the game became gradually subdued. Haroun threatened to head Belgium level on 67 minutes from Pocognoli’s cross but his effort was wayward.
Thiago Silva, on for the injured Breno, went close for the Brazilian’s shortly after, as the South Americans ratcheted-up the pressure.
The Belgian side had the best of the remainder of the encounter, aside from one Marcelo volley, with Vertonghen, De Roover and Haroun all forcing Renan into action as the game edged towards injury time.
Not to be denied, Brazil once again hit their opponents with an injury time blow; Diego released Jo centrally as Belgium poured forward in search of a consolation. The City forward held off Vermaelen to blast Brazil into the medal placings.
Line Ups:
Brazil: Renan - Rafinha, Marcelo, Breno (Thiago Silva 70'), Alex Sliva - Hernanes, Anderson, Ramires - Diego, Ronaldino - Jo.
Belgium: Bailly - De Roover, Vermaelen, Pocognoli, Simaeys - Vertonghen, Haroun, Maertens - Dembele, De Mul, Mirallas (Vanden Borre 58').
Goals:
Brazil:
Diego 27', Jo 45', 90'
Brazil managed to get their bronze medal after beating Belgium the second time in this Olympics.
28′ Diego
45′ Jo Alves de Assis
90′ Jo Alves de Assis
28′ Diego
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