Olympic Heartbreak for Mexico as they lose in Penalties to Brazil
Kashima Soccer Stadium in Kashina, Japan was the site for the rematch of the 2012 Olympic Finals between Mexico and Brazil. Unfortunately, the result did not go the way it went in London with Mexico losing 4-1 in penalties to Brazil. Brazil will now face the winner of the match between Spain and the Olympics host Japan on Saturday. Mexico will compete in the Bronze medal game on Friday against the loser of the other semifinal.
The last two Gold medal-winning teams were eager to get off to a good start as both the Mexicans and Brazilians started the game at a feverish pace. Brazil controlled the game after things settled down and were able to momentarily pin down Mexico in their own half. Brazil employed a high press that forced Mexico to play long balls and constantly lose possession. Memo Ochoa was the lone bright spot for Mexico during the first half as he was able to deny a Dani Alves free-kick and keep the score at zero.
Controversy arose when Brazil’s midfielder Douglas Luiz was knocked down by José Esquivel in Mexico’s box for a penalty. A quick VAR review by the referee determined that the Brazilian had placed his body in front of Esquivel and dove without a foul being committed.
Mexico was able to turn the tide of the game in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Alexis Vega continued his great tournament play when in the 40th minute he was able to shake off Dani Alves and switch the play to Uriel Antuna on the right side of the field. The Chivas winger was able to lay off the ball to a streaking Luis Romo who was able to launch a strike and force the Brazilian keeper to make a save. Brazil dominated the first half controlling over 60% of the ball possession but only made few meaningful advances at goal.
The second period of play began just like the first half as Brazil continued to control possession and dictate the pace of play. Brazil came close to opening the score in the 82nd minute after a great header by Richarlison twisted past Ochoa and into Mexico’s left post.
Mexico’s head coach Jimmy Lozano brought in Charly Rodriguez, Diego Lainez, and Jesús Angulo as substitutes in the second half but the trio failed to make any meaningful impact on the game. The tempo of the game greatly lowered in the second period as exhaustion took its toll on both teams. The game remained scoreless as both teams tried to be cautious and extend the game into extra time, and eventually penalties.
The ghosts of penalties past came back to haunt Mexico as Eduardo Aguirre and Johan Vasquez missed both of their penalties. Ochoa attempted to keep El Tri in the game as he guessed the direction of all of Brazil’s penalties but failed to stop any. Ultimately, Brazil’s midfielder Reiner scored the fourth penalty and make it 4-1, and book Brazi their third consecutive men’s Olympic final appearance and a chance to repeat as Gold medalists.
The loss against Brazil marks the end of a rough Mexican summer as El Tri lost back-to-back Finals in the Nations League and Gold Cup against the United States and failed to capture Gold in the Olympics. Although Mexico’s failed to reach the Gold medal game, their performance in the tournament should be lauded as they were able to get out of a tough group draw and at times play beautiful and cohesive team football. Tata Martino will have his pick of players to incorporate into the senior squad as he looks to steady the ship ahead of September’s World Cup Qualifiers.
