Tokyo 2020: Brazil defeat Spain to win gold in men’s football

faced

in the final of the men’s football competition at the Toyo Olympics on Saturday. Both teams made one change to their victorious semi-final lineups.

returned to Brazil’s final third ahead of Paulinho, while

replaced Rafa Mir in Spain’s midfield.

Spain gained possession early on and put pressure on Brazil’s backline. The Selecao escaped the initial pressure by pressing high up the pitch while trying to exploit their counter-attack chances.

The Selecao got their first chance to score in the 34th minute. Following a searching cross from Douglas Costa, Unai Simon crushed into Cunha in the middle of the box. The referee gave Brazil a spot-kick, which was fired over the bar by Richarlison.

After the missed penalty, Brazil kept on attacking from both flanks until they opened the scoring in the extra time of the first half. Claudinho whipped a cross which was kept inside the box by Dani Alves’ effort on the byline. The loose ball landed in the perfect spot for Cunha, who dispatched a shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

The pace of the game increased significantly at the start of the second half as both teams were eager to get an early goal. Following an inch-perfect pass from Cunha, Richarlison found himself in a one-on-one situation in the 50th minute. The Everton star tried to find the back of the net with a shot to the bottom left corner, but the effort was stopped by Simon’s impressive save.

Despite Brazil’s dominance, Spain managed to get the equalizer just before the hour-mark. Carlos Soler ran behind Brazil’s backline to send a precise cross into the box.

arrived in perfect time to smash an unstoppable volley past Santos, which leveled the game for La Roja.

Spain took control of the match and managed to put Brazil under fierce pressure throughout the second period. La Roja had the chance to score the match-winner in the 88th minute.

unleashed a rocket from outside the box, which was bounced off the crossbar after beating Santos.

The game went to extra time after the sides were tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Both teams kept pushing for the match-winner throughout the extra time. Spain dominated the possession once again, but it was Brazil that finally got their second goal of the night in the 108th minute. Following a swift counter-attack, Antony curled a long-range pass behind Spain’s backline. Having made a fantastic run behind Jesus Vallejo,

got the ball in the six-yard box and smashed it past Simon into the far corner of the net. Spain continued their attacks until the final whistle, but they were too tired to create any serious chances.

Brazil’s captain

secured the 43rd trophy of his career as the Selecao made history in Tokyo. Using a perfect combination of young and experienced players, Brazil became the fifth nation to win back-to-back Olympic golds in men’s football.

Follow

for the

.