Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the gold medal match in the men's football competition between Brazil and Mexico at Wembley Stadium.
Despite Brazil's reputation as one of the best international outfits in the world, they have yet to claim a gold medal at the Olympics. Silvers came in 1984 and 1988 for the Selecao, while they claimed bronze in 1996 and 2008.
Meanwhile, Mexico have not claimed a single medal in an Olympic football competition, although that weight has been lifted this summer with Fernando Luis Tena's side guaranteed at least a silver.
With 15 and 10 goals to their name, Brazil and Mexico are respectively the two top-scoring teams at the tournament. Meanwhile, Mexico beat Brazil 2-0 in a warm-up match prior to the Games and will therefore enter the final full of confidence.
Please note that kickoff is at 3pm.
5.16pmThat's just about me for today as Mexico and Brazil both pick up their medals. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the men's and women's football action this summer. We will have plenty of football coverage to come in the new season, be sure to join us then! Goodbye!
5.14pmSo there we have it. Who were your pre-tournament favourites? Spain? Team GB? Brazil? Uruguay? And who were the smug people who picked Mexico?
5.12pmGold: Mexico
Silver: Brazil
Bronze: South Korea
5.10pmBrazil's Damiao finishes the tournament as the Golden Boot winner with six goals - although I know what he would rather. Meanwhile, the Selecao also finish as the top scorers with 16 goals.
5.08pmBrazil's wait for an Olympic gold medal continues - when will it end? They must now prepare for the World Cup in two years, although Menezes may be out of a job by then.
5.06pmThe likes of Neymar, Oscar and Damiao just did not turn up this afternoon. Meanwhile, Lucas Moura was not introduced until the 85th minute - when the game had already gone.
5.04pmRafael had a bit of a horror show for Brazil on the right side of defence. However, he was exposed with little cover, and questions must be asked of their midfield trio.
5.02pmThey may not have the stars of Brazil, but their team work simply cannot be called into question. They all work for each other, win together, lose together. Meanwhile, Brazil just looked a team of individuals.
5pmBoth sides had four shots on goal, but Mexico also rattled the crossbar in the second period. The star of the afternoon for them was undoubtedly Oribe Peralta who grabbed both goals, however, Reyes was simply wonderful in defence.
4.58pmLet's take a look at some of the statistics from the match. Brazil dominated possession with 60%, while they had 19 shots to Mexico's 11.
4.56pmDid anyone predict that? Brazil just did not turn up until the second period. They had chances to get back into proceedings, but Mexico were not without their opportunities.
4.54pmSo there we have it. Mexico claim their first gold medal in the men's football. Meanwhile, Brazil's long wait continues. Mexico took the lead after just 30 seconds when Peralta found the corner, while he scored his second with 15 minutes remaining. Hulk handed Brazil a way back into the match in the final moments - but Oscar missed a glorious chance to level it with a header late on.
4.52pmBRAZIL CLAIM THE SILVER IN THE MEN'S FOOTBALL.
4.52pmMEXICO WIN GOLD IN THE MEN'S FOOTBALL.
FULL-TIMEBrazil 1-2 Mexico
4.50pmCHANCE! Oh my word! So nearly for Brazil as Hulk finds Oscar in the box, but he heads it wide. That was the chance!
4.50pmChance! So nearly for Mexico as Fabian strikes from inside the box, but it is just wide of the target. Meanwhile, Brazil are on the attack.
4.48pmHulk hands Brazil a chance as he finishes low under Corona. Game on with two minutes left!
4.48pmGOAL! Brazil 1-2 Mexico (Hulk)
4.48pmChance! So nearly for Brazil as Hulk searches out Neymar at the far post, but his cross is just too long. Meanwhile, we will play an additional three minutes.
4.46pmWe have little over two minutes of normal time to play with Mexico in control of proceedings. This one is over.
4.44pmMeanwhile, change for Mexico as Peralta is replaced by Raul Jimenez.
4.44pmAn argument breaks out between Juan and Rafael as the Manchester United defender is replaced by Lucas Moura. Rafael is not a happy man.
4.42pmIt just will not fall for Brazil at the moment with Reyes in the way of every shot. Meanwhile, Lucas Moura will soon join the action.
4.40pmAnother chance for Mexico to add their third as Peralta advances into the box, but Thiago Silva comes across to clear the danger.
4.40pmMeanwhile, change for Mexico as Jimenez is replaced by Nestor Vidrio. 10 minutes to play.
4.38pmHowever, Corona comes to collect with ease. The goalkeeper really has been one of the stars of the tournament.
4.36pmMenezes will certainly be a man under pressure if he does not deliver the gold this summer. It's another corner for Brazil as Reyes challenges Damiao.
4.34pmOh my word. What a shock we have on the cards here! Brazil have 15 minutes to rescue this one.
4.32pmMexico score their second as Peralta jumps highest in the box to thump a header past Gabriel. Is this one over?
4.32pmGOAL! Brazil 0-2 Mexico (Peralta)
4.32pmIt's still all Brazil at the moment as Neymar strikes from outside the box, but it deflects for a corner - which Corona collects with ease.
4.30pmChance! Another wonderful chance for Mexico as Fabian meets a cross in the box, but he heads just over.
4.28pmMeanwhile, change for Brazil as Alexandre Pato replaces Sandro. Time for all-out attack.
4.28pmMexico have the ball in the net as Peralta taps home in the box, but the offside flag is raised and the match continues.
4.26pmThe pressure continues to come from Brazil as Hulk evades two challenges in the box before gaining a corner. However, Damiao heads it wide.
4.24pmChance! Now it's Brazil's turn to come close as Rafael finds Damiao in the box, but Mier just makes the challenge at the vital moment.
4.22pmChance! Wonderful opportunity for Mexico to move 2-0 ahead as Fabian evades Thiago Silva in the box, but he can only strike the crossbar.
4.20pmAgain another Brazilian attack fails to bring a goal as Hulk crosses straight out of play. Meanwhile, Menezes does not look happy on the sideline.
4.18pmSo, 30 minutes remaining of the gold medal match and Mexico still lead. However, it's all one-way traffic with Mexico struggling.
4.16pmBrazil continue to attack as Hulk finds Rafael in the box but it is blocked, before Neymar strikes it high and wide. Surely a goal is coming? Mexico are offering nothing in attack at the moment.
4.14pmMeanwhile, change for Mexico as Aquino is replaced by Miguel Ponce.
4.14pmIt's good news as Neymar comes back onto the pitch. He is immediately involved as he dances into the Mexican box, but he is just crowded out.
4.12pmNeymar is in trouble here as Corona comes to collect a cross but punches the striker straight in the face. Could that have been a penalty?! It certainly appears so.
4.10pmAnother half-chance for Brazil as Oscar searches out the run of Neymar, but he is just given offside.
4.08pmThere is certainly an urgency about Brazil in this second period. Mexico just need to gather possession at the moment as Neymar comes close with an effort once more.
4.06pmHowever, Hulk's effort is blocked by Enriquez. Meanwhile, much better from Brazil as Neymar stikes a long-range shot just over the crossbar. It looks to be coming.
4.04pmImmediate impact from Hulk in the second period as he dances past two challenges before being felled by Reyes. Brazil have a free kick in a dangerous position.
4.02pmHere we go then. No changes at the break for either side. Brazil kick us off in the second period.
4pmRight, the players are just readying themselves for the second period. As it stands, Mexico are on their way to winning gold.
3.58pmOur report of the opening 45 minutes, courtesy of our very own Mark Langshaw, can be found here.
3.56pmIt must be remembered that this is Brazil, and surely they will improve after the break. They just have to. Meanwhile, Mexico will be content with how things are at the moment.
3.54pmThe passing just has not been there for Brazil in the opening 45 minutes. We have not seen anything from Neymar, Oscar and Damiao. Mexico have not particularly been brilliant, but they have not needed to be.
3.52pmBrazil have also had three shots on goal to Mexico's one. However, the only statistic that matters sees Mexico lead at the interval.
3.50pmRight, let's look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Brazil have dominated possession with 61%, while they have had eight shots to Mexico's six.
3.48pmSo there we have it. What a half. Mexico shocked Brazil after just 30 seconds when Peralta found the bottom corner with a fine effort. The expected onslaught from Brazil just has not arrived, with Tena's side well worth their lead at the break.
HALF-TIMEBrazil 0-1 Mexico
3.46pmHalf-chance for Neymar on the stroke of the interval, but he fires his effort wide of the post.
3.45pmMeanwhile, we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
3.44pmChance! The opportunites are coming for Brazil as Neymar finds Sandro in the box, but he heads over the bar. Hulk has made a serious difference since coming on.
3.42pmFirst booking of the match for Marcelo as the Real Madrid defender clatters into Peralta. It was not a great challenge.
3.40pmBrazil are just starting to rally in the latter stages of the half - and Marcelo fires just wide of the post after nice work from Damiao. They are getting closer.
3.38pmChance! So nearly for Brazil as Oscar searches out Neymar inside the box after nice work from Marcelo, but it is cleared before Hulk's effort is palmed away by Corona.
3.36pmChance! Really well worked from Mexico as Aquino finds Salcido outside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post.
3.34pmIt's comfortable for Mexico at the moment as they continue to pass, pass, pass in their own half. Meanwhile, Fabian strikes an effort over the bar from just outside the box.
3.32pmEarly change for Brazil as Hulk replaces Alex Sandro. Surely Marcelo will be moved back to left-back with Hulk playing from the left of the attack.
3.30pmFirst sign of frustration from Menezes as Reyes rattles into the back of Damiao - it was not a great challenge. However, it has not been a particularly nasty match thus far.
3.28pmThe match has just gone quiet in the past few moments in terms of chances. In truth, not a great deal is happening as both sides exchange possession.
3.26pmVery ambitious from Neymar as he searches out the run of Damiao, but his pass is far too long. Meanwhile, Mexico have just started to enjoy possession once more in the past few moments.
3.24pmFirst sign of some magic from Neymar as he dances past the challenge of two Mexican defenders before being hauled down by Herrera. It's all Brazil at the moment.
3.22pmChance! Wonderful opportunity for Brazil as Damiao finds Oscar in the box, but his snap-shot is straight at Corona. Better from Brazil.
3.20pmThis time it's Mexico's turn to come close as Chavez strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Marcelo makes the block.
3.18pmHowever, Damiao is penalised for handball and Jose Corona restarts the match as we approach the 20 minute mark in the opening half.
3.18pmAnother half-chance for Brazil as Sandro searches out Rafael down the right, but his cross is blocked for a corner. The pressure is just starting to build.
3.16pmFirst real period of possession for Brazil as Oscar attempts to find the run of Neymar, but once more it breaks down. Is it going to be one of those afternoons for Mano Menezes's side?
3.14pmChance! Clearest opening of the match for Brazil as Neymar finds Thiago Silva in the box. However, the defender's header is over the crossbar.
3.12pmPossession stats of 66%-34% in Mexico's favour tells you everything you need to know about the early stages. However, Damiao so nearly sneaked in behind the Mexican defence, but Chavez cleared the danger.
3.10pmMore frustration for Brazil as Neymar catches the head of Jimenez with his boot. Nothing from the all-star cast as of yet.
3.08pmMexico have pushed Chavez and Jimenez so far forward in the early stages. It is extremely similiar to the way South Korea started against Brazil in the previous round.
3.06pmIt really was poor defending from Brazil as they handed possession to Peralta. They have not convinced defensively in this tournament. Meanwhile, Mexico continue to control the flow of the match.
3.04pmMexico have started this match on fire with Herrera, Fabian and Aquino all involved in their attacking threat. Brazil simply have not had the ball thus far.
3.02pmGood grief. What a start from Mexico. Brazil attempt to respond straight away, but Neymar is crowded out in the opposing half.
3.01pmOh my word! Less than 30 seconds into the match and Mexico take the lead as Oribe Peralta picks up possession outside the box before drilling under Gabriel.
3.01pmGOAL! Brazil 0-1 Mexico (Peralta)
3pmHere we go then. Mexico get us underway. Game on at Wembley!
2.58pmHandshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. Right let's get this match underway. English referee Mark Clattenburg is in charge.
2.57pmNow it's Mexico's turn. A lot more singing in this one. Although Salcido still looks like someone has taken his favourite toy.
2.56pmNational anthem time. Brazil to go first. Any singers among the players? The players look ever so serious.
2.54pmHere we go then. Both sets of players are emerging onto the pitch. We are just five minutes away.
2.52pmFormer Wales midfielder Robbie Savage has picked Neymar as his star of the tournament on the BBC. I would not disagree. He has been just wonderful.
2.50pmJust a reminder of the full team news in case you missed it earlier. Hulk misses out for Brazil. Meanwhile, Dos Santos is only fit enough for the Mexican bench.
2.48pmThe atmosphere is really building inside Wembley. What a wonderful day for football - the heat will suit both sides.
2.46pmRight. We are just about 15 minutes away from kickoff. I am backing Brazil to win 3-1 this afternoon - which means Mexico will win of course!
2.44pmMexico have won three of their five matches in normal time - needing extra time to beat Senegal - while they drew their opening match with South Korea. They have scored 10 goals in their five matches, but have conceded just three.
2.42pmIn terms of both sides' form entering the match - Brazil have won every one of their games, scoring three goals in each match. However, they have conceded five goals and have looked slightly edgy in defence at times.
2.40pmOribe Peralta also has a key role to play for his country this afternoon. The 28-year-old put his name in the hat for goal of the tournament with a fine strike against Japan - and will need to provide a solid target in attack.
2.38pmThe onus will also be on Javier Aqunio and Marco Fabian to provide an attacking threat down the flanks for Mexico. The two midfielders have vastly impressed with their ability to link with the forward line, something which is needed due to the absence of Giovani dos Santos.
2.36pmMexico, meanwhile, will rely on the experience of former Fulham defender Carlos Salcido to add know-how to the side. The 32-year-old will play his 104th game for his country this afternoon, and has re-established himself as a fine holding midfielder.
2.34pmA back four of Rafael, Thiago Silva, Juan and Marcelo has remained largely unchanged this summer. Meanwhile, the likes of Sandro, Romelu, Hulk and Leandro Damiao have impressed. The latter is the top goalscorer with six goals - and bar a minor miracle - he will end the tournament with the Golden Boot.
2.32pmNeymar has been at his mesmeric best thus far - scoring three goals - while his ability to glide past players at top speed - Pele like - really has been a joy to behold. He will be two years older by the time Rio comes - and if I were you I would back him for top scorer immediately.
2.30pmIn truth, Brazil have been the better side to watch this summer. Bar the likes of Ramires, Lucas and Dani Alves, this is the side that is expected to lineup in the 2014 World Cup.
2.28pmJapan waited in the semi-finals - having won every game without conceding a goal - and they came from behind to advance courtesy of a 3-1 victory. And now we are here.
2.26pmThey were pitted against the impressive Senegal in their last-eight clash, but Tena's side advanced following a 4-2 extra-time win over the African nation.
2.24pmMeanwhile, Mexico opened their Group B campaign with a 0-0 draw against South Korea, before 2-0 win over Gabon put them in the driving seat. They needed a victory in their final group game against Switzerland to top the group - and they did so to advance into the quarter-finals.
2.22pmThey faced surprise package South Korea in the semi-finals, and although the Asian outfit started the match in confident fashion, Brazil turned on the style to secure the victory 3-0.
2.20pmTheir final group match brought a 3-0 win over a tired New Zealand outfit as they set up a quarter-final clash with Honduras. It was far from easy for the Selecao - twice falling behind before advancing with a 3-2 win.
2.18pmRight, let's take a look at how each side reached this stage of the competition. Brazil opened their Group C campaign with a 3-2 win over Egypt, while they secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Belarus.
2.16pmAt full international level, both teams have four wins apiece in their last eight meetings - which points to a close encounter on this glorious afternoon in London.
2.14pmMeanwhile, Mexico are yet to claim a single medal - although that run has been ended this year. As mentioned, they also overcame Brazil 2-0 in a warm-up encounter prior to the tournament.
2.12pmThere is also underlying ill-feeling from Argentina's success in Beijing four years ago and the prospect of taking the top prize held by their rivals is a big incentive for Brazil.
2.10pmAs mentioned, Brazil have never won gold in the men's Olympic football despite 11 attempts. Meanwhile, this is the first time they have reached the final of the competition since 1988 - where the likes of Romario and Co. were in their prime.
2.08pmBrazil were long considered as the favourites the gold due to the sheer quality of their squad. Meanwhile, there were also backers for Mexico with the South American outfit seemingly destined to claim the gold.
2.06pmSo there's the teams. The conclusion has come so quickly. There has been the shock of Spain and Uruguay falling in the group stages of the competition. Meanwhile, the likes of Japan, South Korea and Honduras have shown their vast improvement this summer.
2.04pmSo there we have it. Brazil remain unchanged from their semi-final win over South Korea - with Hulk and Lucas starting on the bench. Meanwhile, Hector Herrera comes into the Mexico team in place of Dos Santos - who drops to the bench.
2.02pmBrazil: Gabriel; Rafael, Thiago Silva, Juan, Alex Sandro; Marcelo, Romulo, Sandro, Oscar; Neymar, Damiao
Mexico: Corona; Jimenez, Mier, Chavez, Reyes; Herrera, Salcido, Enriquez, Aquino; Fabian, Peralta
2.02pmBreaking team news: Hulk misses out for Brazil. Meanwhile, Giovani dos Santos starts on the bench for Mexico.
2pmHello all! So it all comes down to this. 16 teams started little over two weeks ago with the dream of lifting gold at the Olympics, but on the final afternoon of action, just two remain in the running.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
