Mexico wins gold in soccer final against Brazil

Mexico won its first gold after a very early goal that Brazil was never able to overcome.

By Tales Azzoni,?The Associated Press / August 11, 2012

Mexican soccer players celebrate after winning the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Andrew Medichini/AP

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With a goal in 29 seconds,?Mexico?extended Brazil's wait for a first Olympic soccer gold for at least another four years.

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Oribe Peralta stunned the Brazilians by scoring as some fans were still making it to their seats for the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The heavily-favored South Americans never recovered, losing 2-1 after a late comeback attempt came up just short.

"I don't know if this was the best match of my career, but what I do know is that this is the most important, because I am here today with a?gold?medal," Peralta said. "I dreamed about this moment. It is one of those things you don't get to live every day."

IN PICTURES: Week 2 of the Olympics

The surprising result left?Mexico?celebrating its first Olympic?gold?in men's soccer ? and Brazil wondering if it will ever add the elusive title to its long list of triumphs in soccer.

"Yet again we came close, but didn't quite get it," Brazil coach Mano Menezes said.

Peralta took advantage of a mistake by the Brazilian defense in the opening minute and slotted a low right-foot shot just inside the near post. It was the fastest Olympic goal since FIFA began keeping record of the competition in 1976.

The striker added the second with a firm header from a free kick in the 75th.

Hulk scored for Brazil in injury time, but Oscar missed a header in the final seconds to waste the last chance for a comeback.

The Olympic?gold?is the only significant trophy that Brazil, five-time world champions, hasn't won in soccer. The Brazilians established the London Games as the team's priority this year and arrived as the heavy favorite after bringing most of its top players for the competition. Many will also be in the team for the next World Cup, which will be played in Brazil.

"We're very sorry yet again not to get?gold," Menezes said. "Defeat is part of the maturing process. This group will continue on this path and get ready for 2014."

Fans threw straw sombreros in the air and waved Mexican flags at the final whistle. Peralta got hold of one of the wide-brim hats and passed it around among his teammates.

As Mexican players jumped up and down at midfield in celebration, the Brazilians dropped to the ground in despair. Neymar, touted as the future of Brazilian football, was one of them, sitting stoned-faced. Real Madrid left back Marcelo dropped his head and cried as his teammates came to try to console him.

The Mexicans started celebrating early in front of a crowd of more than 86,000.

Peralta's goal came after Manchester United right back Rafael tried to make a pass backward. Mexican midfielder Javier Aquino intercepted the ball, sending it forward to Peralta just outside the area. With no defenders near him, he calmly fired his shot just inside the near post.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/6QstDCeprMM/Mexico-wins-gold-in-soccer-final-against-Brazil

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