The top scorer and player of the tournament as the Selecao took silver in 1984, the former Fla striker believes the class of 2016 will take gold on Saturday
The Olympic Games has brought little but frustration for five-time world champions Brazil. It remains the only major tournament the Selecao are yet to win. On Saturday they host Germany in the final at the Maracana with the elusive gold medal now in touching distance for captain Neymar and his side.
Brazil first stood on the podium in 1984, earning an unlikely silver medal after a squad was hastily assembled at the last minute for the Los Angeles games, made up mostly of players whose teams were no longer in contention for domestic titles. Jair Picerni led the side which featured no less than 11 players from the Internacional club, complimented by the likes of Corinthians right-back Ronaldo, Ponte Preta goalkeeper Luis Henrique, and Santos defender Davi. 
After taking some impressive scalps such as West Germany and Italy, they eventually fell 2-0 to France in the final, in front of more than 100,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, but returned home with the Selecao’s first Olympic medal. Little had been expected of the Selecao Olimpica, but they marched all the way to the gold medal match, thanks in no small part to four goals from Flamengo striker Gilmar Popoca who was named the player of the tournament. Ahead of Saturday’s final, Brasil Global Tour caught up with the Olympic idol, who is now coach of Flamengo's under-20 side in Rio. 
Brasil Global Tour: What was it like to be a member of the 1984 Olympic squad? Gilmar Popoca: "It was a completely different to anything we had experienced before. Initially, we had a call to notify us of our selection but, at the end of the season, the CBF decided to make some changes and there was no time for new call-ups. But we ended up with some wonderful players and a fantastic staff. "I gelled instantly with the group, which only included four or five players who were not from Internacional. With Gilmar [Rinaldi], Dunga, Mauro, Pinga, Milton Cruz, we had some outstanding players and everyone was greeted with great affection. They embraced me and the staff did a wonderful job because we had to face some very tough teams." 
BGT: You were the team's top-scorer and named by the IOC as the player of the tournament Gilmar: "It was amazing to be top scorer with that team. I played in a very competitive squad of a high technical level and I was given the freedom to operate as a No.10, tasked with both finishing attacks and creating opportunities for my team-mates. It was really wonderful because we had to play West Germany, Italy and, of course, France who had the base of their squad from the Euros. "Around 70% of the players had competed in the World Cup of 1986 and had stood out in the tournament. The Olympics that year was very competitive and we had to fight for a medal. To end as top scorer among all those ‘beasts’ was very pleasing. Mostly because I did it all with the help of my colleagues and contributed to the team." 
BGT: Why do you think Brazil eventually missed out on the gold? Gilmar: "In the end, the final was a really tough match. France were favourites for the title and had several players from the World Cup. We played fantastically well. France could not get into it at first, we had more possession and dominated but unfortunately in football it is all about getting the ball in the net. I remember at half-time, Jair spoke to us and told us not change anything, to maintain the same standard and the medal will be ours. “But in the final 20 minutes we were surprised by two counter-attacks and they ended up getting the goals. To go one behind can be different in a match like that, but just imagine being two down. Not a lot was expected of us and to return home with a silver medal was very a great honour for us.” 
BGT: Are you confident Brazil will win the gold this time? Gilmar: "Yes, I think Brazil has everything it takes to win this medal. There was great planning. They made proper preparations despite everything changing for them recently. This team was formed at the last minute, like us, and has been able to compete. “We also have one of the best players in the world in Neymar who we can have great trust in, even against a tough opponent who are organised and remind us of the 7-1. They must be respected. They have very good players who can deliver. But it is a great opportunity to win the gold medal. The whole country really wants this medal but we cannot forget the quality Germany possess. We can win this medal, going a step further than we did in 1984 and 1988. It is important that we are always on the podium but this time we can reach the top." ..... - Goal