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Preview: Brazil vs. Mexico - Analysing the lineups

Preview: Brazil vs. Mexico - Analysing the lineups
Sports Mole analyses each player's role in Saturday's men's Olympic final between Brazil and Mexico.

Brazil and Mexico clash in the final of the men's Olympic competition on Saturday with both looking for their own slice of history.

Brazil have yet to win a gold medal in an Olympic football competition despite 11 attempts. Meanwhile, Mexico have not won a single medal in their history, although they have secured at least a silver this time around.

Both sides are expected to be at full strength for the match, and with that in mind Sports Mole dissects each player's role for the match.

Brazil

Goalkeeper - Gabriel: The AC Milan stopper is expected to get the nod ahead of Neto between the posts. However, the youngster has looked vulnerable at times and could be targeted in the air.

Defender - Rafael: The Manchester United defender has been at his tenacious best this summer, although his positioning has been slightly wayward at times. He will be given the role of taming Javier Aquino.

Defender - Thiago Silva: The new Paris Saint-Germain defender has looked slightly off the pace thus far, although his overall quality is there for all to see. As the skipper, he will look gain early command in the air.

Defender - Juan: The 33-year-old has been the weak link of the Brazil defence at the Games, and he is not technically the best defender you will ever see. Giovani dos Santos will look to pull on to the Roma man throughout the afternoon.

Defender - Marcelo: There are not many accolades left for the 24-year-old. He is well on his way to becoming the best left-back in the world. Attacks and defends in equal measure.

Midfielder - Sandro: It really has been a breakthrough tournament for the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder. For the first time he has been consistent in his passing, while he possesses every attribute to become a top player.

Midfielder - Oscar: The new Chelsea playmaker has shown glimpses of his quality this summer, although he has yet to really control a game. He will look to join with Neymar at every opportunity.

Midfielder - Romulo: Perhaps the unsung hero of the Brazil midfield, with the Spartak Moscow man performing fantastic defensive work in the tournament thus far. He has a huge role to play on Saturday.

Striker - Hulk: The Porto striker was rested for the semi-final win over South Korea, but he is expected to be recalled. Pace and power, he will look to unsettle the young Mexican defence.

Striker - Leandro Damiao: The Internacional striker is the current top goalscorer this summer with six goals, and has impressed with his ruthlessness in the box. Expect him to add to his tally in the final.

Striker - Neymar: The 20-year-old has been at his mesmerizing best this summer, demonstrating his finishing ability, eye for a pass and just pure flair. He's a real star, and will be keen to show that on the big stage.

Mexico

Goalkeeper - Jose Corona: Before the tournament, not many people had heard of the veteran Cruz Azul goalkeeper, but they have now. He has been the pick of the stoppers this summer.

Defender - Israel Jimenez: The 22-year-old entered the tournament off the back of a fine campaign with Tigres, and has been impressive at the Games. He will likely be given the role of marking Neymar.

Defender - Hiram Mier: The CF Monterrey youngster has been a real star in the Mexican defence. Not the best technically, but he's a proper defender, and he will need to be against Brazil.

Defender - Diego Reyes: Saturday will be a big test for the inexperienced 19-year-old, and he has looked shaky at times this tournament. He will be up against the power and pace of Hulk.

Defender - Darvin Chavez: The 22-year-old, teammates with Mier at club level, brings a touch of class to the defence with his ability to play from the back. He will be given the task of organising the back line on Saturday.

Midfielder - Marco Fabian: The Chivas winger has been a real livewire this summer, and added the decisive equaliser against Japan in the previous round. He will look to unsettle Rafael with his direct running.

Midfielder - Jorge Enriquez: Another player from Chivas, the 21-year-old has a really nice understanding with Fabian and will be given the task of attacking from midfield, but in truth, he could play anywhere.

Midfielder - Carlos Salcido: He's been the pick of the Mexicans for me. English Premier League fans will remember him as an uncompromising defender for Fulham, but now he marshals the midfield in a defensive role for his country.

Midfielder - Javier Aquino: Undoubtedly the classiest of the Mexican midfield, he caused Japan all sorts of problems in the previous round.

Striker - Oribe Peralta: The 28-year-old put his name in the hat for goal of the tournament with a fine strike against Japan, while his ability to lead the line has been a major asset to Mexico this summer.

Striker - Giovani dos Santos: The golden boy of Mexican football is struggling with an injury, but you would have to expect him to play. He has three goals to his name this summer, and will look to get between Juan and Thiago Silva at every opportunity.

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Written by
Matt Law

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