RIO DE JANEIRO Holders Mexico and two-time winners Argentina were knocked out of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament on Wednesday but Germany progressed after beating Fiji 10-0.
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Micale said he was relieved after Brazil escaped elimination with the win against Denmark on Wednesday, with goals from Gabigol and also from Luan and Gabriel Jesus, another promising star who was yet to show his potential despite high expectations.
Despite two bitterly disappointing goalless draws in Group A so far, Brazil know a victory over Denmark on Wednesday will guarantee their place in the second round.
Brazil finished top of Group A with five points while Denmark were second with four points despite the pummeling.
The South American power has won two Olympic gold medals in soccer, but it failed to advance from the group stage after a 1-1 draw against Honduras.
The two teams tied 1-1 and both were eliminated from quarterfinal contention as a result of Brazil’s victory.
All matches will be played on Saturday, August 13, 2016. “The last years represented an endless string of embarrassments and the Olympic Games are just the last straw”, stated Brazilian coach Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico.
Meanwhile Freiburg striker Nils Petersen scored five times as World Champions Germany smashed Pacific islanders Fiji 10-0 to seal their place in the last eight behind South Korea, who beat Mexico 1-0 thanks to Kwon Chang-hoon’s stunning strike in Brasilia.
Scolari went through similar difficulties before the 2002 World Cup, when Brazil’s national team didn’t have the support of the home fans after nearly failing to qualify to the tournament in South Korea and Japan.
In Group D, Honduras drew with Argentina 1-1.
Luan then finished off a fine team move before Barbosa’s deflected strike ensured Brazil went through as Group A winners.
The Selecao have yet to fully break out of the funk caused by their 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup.
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Saad Luaibi’s 14th minute goal cancelled out an early opener from South Africa’s Gift Motupa as both teams head home after finishing third and fourth in Group A. While Neymar has been publicly targetted, fans have been seen chanting the name of Marta, who has flourished in the women’s team at this year’s Games.
