Olympic Soccer 2012: Biggest Stars to Watch in Mexico vs Brazil Gold Medal Match

The highly anticipated Brazil vs. Mexico men’s Olympic soccer final is going to be littered with stars all over the pitch.

It was no accident that these two met in the finals with the talented rosters they possess, but the Brazilian’s have historically fallen short of reaching an Olympic gold medal match.

They haven’t made the finals since the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and secured the bronze medal in the 2008 Games—a gold medal has eluded their country.

They are in a terrific position to take home gold this time around, considering they have scored three goals in all five of their wins.

Yet, they’ll face their toughest challenge yet against a scrappy Mexico team who is incredibly deep and skilled. This is the furthest their country has ever been on this stage, and the pressure is going to be significant.

The two teams are loaded with talent and pressure on their shoulders, which sets up an outstanding match that has the potential to be an instant classic.

Here are the top three players to watch at all times in what should be an outstanding 90 minutes (or more) of soccer.

Neymar- Brazil

After a slow start in the opener against Egypt, the 20-year-old has really come on strong.

He is the team’s biggest attraction despite being short on experience.

The tremendous striker has registered three goals, and has set up a bevy of others that have made him the most dangerous playmaker in the Olympics. Despite holding onto the ball for too long at times, he’s going to be a matchup nightmare.

Mexico’s defense must be aware of Neymar at all times when Brazil goes on the attack.  

Marco Fabian- Mexico

We all know Giovanni Dos Santos is going to play a sound match, but you can’t say the same thing about Fabian.

He has been rather quiet thus far in Olympic play with only one goal to his name, but Brazil’s defense has shown they are susceptible to a lightning-quick striker like Fabian.

He has slowly improved throughout these Olympic Games and will have to play his best game yet for Mexico to come away with the upset.

Oribe Peralta- Mexico

The 28-year-old is one of the most experienced players in this match, and will need to use his wisdom to help calm down his young teammates.

He played a humongous role in winning the Pan-Am Games, and can be an absolute goal machine at times. His offensive skills are going to be extremely important if Mexico plans on matching the prolific Brazilian attack.

While he has looked slow and unathletic at times, that extra gear exists and now is the time to use it.

The big question is…will he?

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