Brazil vs. Mexico: Preview, Live Updates & Reaction from Olympic Soccer Final

Mexico have triumphed over Brazil in the Olympic football final.

Brazil enjoyed regular spells of possession but a lack of cohesive unity and poor finishing proved costly to the five time world champions.

A poor defensive display from the back four did little to help the Brazilian cause. 

The game got off to a dramatic start with Peralta punishing sloppy play from right back Rafael to score after 28 seconds; the quickest goal in the history of Olympic Football Finals.

From that point on Brazil enjoyed most of the possession and got forward regulalry, but their end product always fell short. A sloppy pass here and a clumsy shot there condemned them to going into half time facing a one goal deficit. 

In a team of underperformers Hulk was the man who impressed the most. The Porto striker came on as a 32nd minute substitute and regularly asked questions of the Mexican back four, the problem being that his teammates were not playing with the same degree of urgency.

Mexico were everything that Brazil were not; well organised, united, strong and clinical. They had several opportunities to see the game off but it was not until the 75th minute that a second goal from Peralta condemned the Brazilians to yet another silver medal.

Hulk scored on the cusp of full time but it was to prove little more than a consolation strike for Brazil, who's hunt for Olympic Gold continues.