Brazil defended the Olympic football title from the 2016 Games after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Spain.
The Brazilians were the better team in the finals, even though Spain held their own until the 108th minute when substitute Malcom scored the game-winning goal.
The Spaniards had a corner kick three minutes into the second extra time when the South Americans took over the position and opened a fast break. Antony picked up the ball, made a terrific pass to Malcom who put the ball into the net.
It could have been much easier for Brazil if Richarlison scored the penalty kick in the 37th minute. The Everton striker took the responsibility but his shot was desperately awful.
Shortly after, in the stoppage time of the first half, Matheus Cunha managed to score for Brazil and it was 1-0 at halftime.
Spain didn’t give up and it paid off in the 61st minute when Mikel Oyarzabal with an amazing volley scored the equalizer.
“The Red Fury” had a huge opportunity to win the match but Bryan Gil’s shot hit the post in the 89th minute.
Brazil’s coach Jardin made the decisive move at the end of regulation when he sent in the Zenit St. Petersburg striker, Malcom, who scored the goal of his career.
Brazil’s captain Dani Alves became an Olympic champion at the age of 38 and he didn’t hide the joy.
“I’m a dreamer, a small dreamer, and more than a dreamer, somebody who executes their dreams,” Alves said. “The most important thing is to fight, and that’s what I know what to do. I have the drive of a 23-year-old. I still want to do big things in football.”
This was the third consecutive Olympic final for the Brazilians after they lost to Mexico in London in 2012 and won the gold against Germany four years later on home soil.
