Brazil was the favorite coming into the gold medal match against Mexico, but they've struggled though the first half. A bad giveaway gifted Mexico an early goal and Brazil never found their rhythm after that. Through 45 minutes, Mexico lead 1-0 and they're just one half away from an improbable gold medal.
The goal came less than 30 seconds into the game on a terrible giveaway by Rafael da Silva. He was caught dwelling on the ball with Mexico pressing and played a poor pass towards Sandro in the middle of the pitch. Javier Aquino anticipated it well and poked the ball towards Oribe Peralta, who finished at the near post.
Mano Menezes dropped Hulk for Alex Sandro in the semifinal, moving Neymar to the middle and Oscar to the right, and Brazil produced their best performance of the tournament. He stuck with that same lineup and it didn't produce results early, leading Menezes to make a tactical switch in the 31st minute, bringing on Hulk and reverting to his previous first choice lineup.
Mexico are playing with three central midfielders for the first time in this tournament and it's turned out to be a great decision. With all of Carlos Salcido, Hector Herrera and Jorge Enriquez on the pitch, Brazil haven't been able to find the space they usually create for themselves in the midfield. Brazil's talent should be able to overcome Mexico's tactics and a one-goal deficit, but they've played poorly thus far and don't look like they're going to turn things around.
You can find our coverage of the final in our Mexico vs. Brazil, 2012 Olympics men's soccer final StoryStream.
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