August 11 – Just when the crunch came, Brazil delivered. After being booed off twice in a row following goalless draws against South Africa and Iraq, Brazil’s Olympic squad finally found their scoring touch as they cruised to a 4-0 win over Denmark that not only ensured survival but also clinched top spot in Group A and a quarter-final against Colombia in Sao Paulo on Saturday.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it wasn’t a relief,” said striker Gabriel Jesus who scored Brazil’s second goal. “Today we had more spirit and we made it easy in the end.”
Coach Rogerio Micale opted for all-out attack against the Danes and commented: “We haven’t won anything. It’s another psychological point passed. We work bit by bit and we’ll get there.”
| W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| Denmark | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Iraq | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| South Africa | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
With the fear factor out the way, Brazil, seeking the one title that still eludes them, can now relax especially in the knowledge that defending Olympic champions Mexico and the 2004 and 2008 gold medallists Argentina have both been eliminated.
Mexico crashed out after Kwon Chang-hoon’s 77th minute goal gave South Korea a 1-0 win while Honduras knocked out Argentina on penalties. South Korea lead the Asian Football Confederation challenge for medals, topping their group over Germany.
| W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Colombia | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| Japan | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 4 |
| Sweden | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
Nigeria, who turned up late for the tournament, proved to be quick starters and going into the last round of group matches had already qualified for the quarter finals. A 2-0 loss to Colombia ensured they qualified for the next round ahead of Japan who defeated Sweden 1-0 in their final game.
| W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 7 |
| Germany | 1 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 5 | 5 |
| Mexico | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| Fiji | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 0 |
The European challenge is being lead by Portigal who although drawing their last game against Algeria, had cruised through their group. They now face Germany in the semi-finals, The winners of that match will face the winners of Nigeria and Denmark in the semi-finals
| W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Honduras | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Argentina | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Algeria | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 1 |
Special mention must go to Iraq who leave the tournament without losing a game. Their three draws included an opening day 0-0 against Brazil in the cauldron of the Maracana.
Quarter final line-up (matches to be played August 13)
Brazil vs Colombia – Sao Paulo
South Korea vs Honduras – Belo Horizonte
Nigeria vs Denmark – Salvador
Portugal vs Germany – Brasilia
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