OLY: Brazil, Spain survive semifinals ahead of gold medal match

Brazil defeated Mexico 4-1 in penalty kicks on Tuesday, August 3 to advance to the gold medal match this weekend. Dani Alves and Gabriel Guimarães put Brazil up 2-0 in penalty kicks before Reinier knocked through the game-sealing goal. Brazil held 67% possession and limited Mexico’s attack all game. A few hours later, Spain sealed a trip to the championship match as they took down host-country Japan. With penalty kicks looming, Marco Asensio scored a beautiful goal in the 114th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory. Spain deserved the win, putting 20 shots on goal and holding 69% possession.

The gold medal match will take place on Saturday, August 7 at 7:30 AM. Brazil is looking for a second consecutive gold medal after beating Germany in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Spain last won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona but also went to the title game in 2000 before losing to Cameroon. Brazil has gone 4-0-1 thus far behind Matheus Cunha (2 goals) and Richarlison, while Spain finished 3-0-2 as Rafa Mir (3 goals) and Dani Olmo led the way. According to FanDuel, Brazil (-132) is favored to win a second straight gold.

Medal Count:

1. United States (113)

2. China (88)

3. Russian Olympic Committee (70)

4. Great Britain (65)

5. Japan (58)

Photo Credit: Power Sportz.