Olympic Soccer 2012: Gold Medal Is Brazil's to Lose

Brazil is the hands-down favorite to win the gold medal.

There are plenty of solid teams in the competition, but none of them are in the same class as Brazil. Obviously, in a tournament like this, anything can happen. However, if the best team wins, Brazil will be the country standing at the top of the podium.

The Brazilians simply have the most talent.

Neymar highlights an attacking roster that is one of the most lethal in Olympic history. Hulk plays on the wing, bearing down on opponents. Alexandre Pato opens the game up by stretching the defense. And then Oscar picks the defense apart from a more reserved role.

Meanwhile, Thiago Silva anchors a relatively tough defense. Although they've conceded three goals in the first two matches, the defense understands that the offense will take care of business. If a game is close throughout, the defense will rise to the occasion.

While Brazil is extremely talented, not many other teams can say that.

Spain was an early favorite, but they were knocked out. Uruguay must beat Great Britain to advance; otherwise, the hosts will move on. Mexico and Japan also look tough, but none of them can match Brazil's skill.

If one of those teams can upset Brazil, the loss will most likely fall on the Brazilians' shoulders. They are supremely talented, and one of the other countries must out-think Brazil to beat them.

When you give that burden to an opponent, you know you're good.

On paper, Brazil is the best team. So far, on the pitch, they've lived up to that.

Their defense has slacked on a few different occasions, but that's bound to happen when you play such open, attack-oriented football. Brazil loves to push forward, and their tournament-leading six goals attest to that. Their performances have proven that they aren't all talk; they can actually play well together.

And that's the scariest part.

If this Brazil team plays well, they are unbeatable. There is no team in this tournament that can go toe to toe with Brazil (playing its best) and win. As long as that's a fact, this gold medal is Brazil's to lose.