Brazil have beaten Spain to claim gold in the men’s football at the Tokyo Olympics with former Barcelona man Malcolm grabbing the winner.
The South Americans saw off their opponents 2-1 with Malcom grabbing the decisive goal.
It was the only honour missing from Dani Alves’ career until he helped Brazil win gold.
O OURO CONTINUA NO BRASIL! Foi na raça, na dedicação e no talento do futebol brasileiro! A medalha dourada é nossa mais uma vez e agora podemos comemorar! Obrigado, #SeleçãoOlímpica! Vocês são incríveis e marcaram os seus nomes na história! ⚽🏅🇧🇷💚💛#BRAxESP #JogosOlímpicos pic.twitter.com/m0o8sVfwqk
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) August 7, 2021
They become just the fifth nation to retain gold medals in Olympic men’s football.
Matheus Cunha’s first-half finish was cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal’s volley on the hour-mark in Kanagawa Prefecture, forcing an additional half-hour between the Selecao and La Rojita.
Former Barcelona star Malcom proved to be the hero for Brazil as he bundled home a dramatic winner 12 minutes from time.
#BRA @CBF_Futebol have won #Gold again! #BRA
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 7, 2021
For the second Olympics in a row, Brazil are the men’s #Football champions!#StrongerTogether | #Tokyo2020 | @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/46l0fAPwtW
Spain made changes at the interval and found a way back into the game just past the hour mark when Oyarzabal struck a stunning volley.
He was picked out at the back post after escaping his marker and sent an acrobatic scissor kick fizzing into the net.
Brazil regained control from that point and always looked the more likely to find a winner – with Richarlison hitting the woodwork at one stage.
They had to be patient, though, and were in danger of seeing the contest settled from 12 yards when Malcom made his decisive contribution.
The 24-year-old, who is now with Russian giants Zenit, stepped off the bench to surge beyond Jesus Vallejo in the 108th minute and drill a low shot off the boot of Simon and into the roof of the net.