Olympic gold is Brazil’s to throw away

After being held for much of the game, Brazil finally managed to overcome Belarus 3-1 in Group C encounter to send them top after their 3-2 win over Egypt on Thursday. Goals from Alexandre Pato, Neymar and Oscar saw Mano Menezes’ side pick-up maximum points in their pursuit for Olympic gold.

With Spain dropping out at the group stage following 1-0 defeats to Japan and Honduras, the Seleccao are now the odds on favourite to win the tournament. With no competitive action for the national side until the 2013 Confederations Cup, the Brazilian FA have made it their priority to win the gold medal this summer.

With a front-line consisting of the likes of Hulk, Leandro Damiao, Pato and Neymar, it was unsurprising that Brazil were instilled as the favourites. Menezes selected a team capable of securing glory this summer and with the quality running through the team, many aren’t shocked to know they have already qualified for the last eight already.

 With Spain now out, many believe Olympic gold Brazil’s to throw away. The main rivals for a place on the podium prior to the tournament were thought to be Team GB and Uruguay, both of whom face each other to determine who progresses from Group A to the next round on Wednesday. Nevertheless, neither have been particularly brilliant this summer and should Team GB meet Brazil at the quarter-final stage, the result is likely to sway in the favour of the latter after they defeat the hosts in a pre-tournament friendly 2-0.

Either way, Brazil remain favourites are rightly so. Following Spain’s exit, the South American side should have a clean run to the final, barring a major upset on the route there.