Mexico went into the Gold medal match against Brazil as the underdog, but that changed just 28 seconds into the match when Oribe Peralta gave the team a 1-0 lead.
According to the Chicago Suntimes, Peralta’s goal was the fastest Olympic goal since FIFA started keeping records in 1976. Peralta also scored Mexico’s second goal with 15 minutes left before full time to seal the deal for the Mexican Olympic team. The Brazilian team was able to add a goal of their own in injury time and nearly scored a second in the final seconds of the match. But Brazil, who was also reaching for it’s first Olympic Gold medal, couldn’t find the net.
Forward Giovani Dos Santos told the NY Times:
“We want the people in Mexico to believe in this young generation of players… This gold medal goes to all of those in Mexico who always believed in us. For those who didn’t believe in us? Well, let them celebrate too.”
Defender Carlos Fabian added:
“We just entered the history books of Mexican sport… We have given our people an immense joy. This is unforgettable.”
The Washington Post reports that Brazil has won several world titles but the team has never won at the Olympics.
Brazil coach Mano Menezes said:
“Yet again we came close but didn’t quite get it… We’re very sorry yet again not to get gold… Defeat is part of the maturing process. This group will continue on this path and get ready for 2014 (world cup).”
