Preview: Brazil vs. Mexico

Brazil and Mexico will clash in the final of the men's football competition on Saturday, with the victor ending their long search for a gold medal.

Despite being recognised as one of the best international teams, Brazil have yet to claim a gold medal at the Olympics. Two silvers came in 1984 and 1988, while they have also secured bronze in 1996 and 2008.

Meanwhile, Mexico have yet to claim a single medal in an Olympic competition, although that wait has been ended with the South American outfit guaranteed at least a silver medal this time around.

Brazil, installed as favourites ever since the launch, have won all five of their matches at the Games this summer, topping Group C following wins over Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand.

The quarter-finals pitted them against Honduras, where they twice fell behind before beating their 10-man opponents. Meanwhile, a comfortable 3-0 win over South Korea guaranteed their spot in the final.

Mexico finished top of Group B following a draw against South Korea and wins over Gabon and Switzerland, but they needed extra time to beat Senegal 4-2 in the quarter-finals.

The semi-finals saw them clash with Japan - who were unbeaten without conceding a single goal - but they recovered from one-down to record the 3-1 victory.

Mexico boss Luis Fernando Tena has a serious concern over the fitness of Giovani dos Santos, who limped out of the semi-final against Japan, but he is expected to play a part.

Brazil, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the final, but Hulk and Alexandre Pato are both pushing for recalls.

Marcelo played further forward in the last match with Alex Sandro coming into the defence, but the latter is expected to drop out, allowing Hulk to re-enter the side.

Possible lineups:

Brazil: Gabriel; Rafael, Thiago Silva, Juan, Marcelo; Sandro, Oscar, Romulo; Hulk, Damiao, Neymar

Mexico: Corona; Jimenez, Mier, Reyes, Chavez; Fabian, Enriquez, Salcido, Aquino; Peralta, Dos Santos

Sports Mole says: 3-1

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