Brasil Global Tour looks back on the major talking points following the Selecao's stunning victory at the Maracana on Wednesday as they moved a step closer to a maiden gold medal
After three years away, Brazil returned to the sacred Maracana on Wednesday with a place in the Rio 2016 Olympics final on the line.
The one title still to elude the five-time world champions, the quest for gold has become an obsession for the Seleaco.
Two years after they were beaten 7-1 by Germany in the 2014 World Cup on home soil, any talk of final-four nerves were instantly cast aside when Neymar capitalised on an error in the Honduran defence to give Brazil the lead after just 14 seconds.
And things would only get better for Brazil, as they cruised to a 6-0 victory over the Central Americans which would book a shot at revenge against Germany in Saturday’s final.
Below, Brasil Brazil Global looks back at some of the major talking points from a memorable afternoon for Brazilian sport...
| NEYMAR: LEADER, MAESTRO |
Brazil’s captain and number 10 has overcome a tricky start to the tournament and turned his best performance of the games so far on Wednesday. His tenacity and willingness to help press from the front forced an error from defender Johnny Palacios before slotting home the opening goal after just 14 seconds – setting a new world record for the fastest goal in Olympic football history. He rode a number of rough challenges in the first half and once again kept his cool, lead the team’s attacking play from start to finish and rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot. It was a performance that saw coach Rogerio Micale dub the Barcelona man a 'monster'.
| RESURRECTED: GABRIEL JESUS |
Teenage superstar Gabriel Jesus struggled in the opening week of the Olympic games. The Brazilian first division’s top-scorer, he was uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal in the goalless draws with South Africa and Iraq and admitted he was finding it difficult to sleep at night. The sense of relief on the future Manchester City star’s face was clear to see when he finally broke his duck against Denmark, unable to hold back the tears. Confidence restored, he scored two excellent goals in the drubbing of Honduras and once again looks set to star in the Selecao’s quest for gold.
| SOLID FOUNDATIONS |
For the fifth consecutive match, the Brazilian defence held firm. Micale’s side are now the only team left in the tournament yet to concede a goal. The five clean sheets have been just reward for the stunning performances of central-defensive duo Rodrigo Caio and Marquinhos, who have time and again been left to defend alone as the full-back push forward to offer width to the attack. More than 450 minutes without seeing their goal breached, the record is enough to reassure even the most pessimistic fears of a repeat of the famous 7-1 hammering against Germany.
| FEEL THE LOVE |
It felt like old times at the Maracana. The historic venue was packed to the rafters by a Brazilian public who have fallen back in love with their men’s football team. While earlier matches had brought boos and jeers, the crowd in Rio showed nothing but encouragement right from the start, and later broke into songs taunting their upcoming rivals. "Hey, Germany, just wait, your time will come," echoed around the stadium as the Selecao hit goal after goal to book their shot at redemption this weekend.
| MORE THAN VICTORY |
More than just win, Brazil did so with style at the Maracana. They completely blew away their overwhelmed opponents right from kick-off, trading one-twos, flicks and tricks, and dribbling past defenders at will. After two largely frustrating years in Brazilian football, the national team are recapturing the imagination of their public and are now just one step away from the long-awaited gold medal.
..... - Goal