LONDON -- Mexico is celebrating its first Olympic gold medal in men's soccer, and Brazil is wondering if it will ever be able to add the title to its long list of triumphs.
Oribe Peralta scored only 29 seconds into the Olympic final at Wembley Stadium and added another goal in the second half to help Mexico upset Brazil 2-1 on Saturday.Peralta took advantage of a mistake by the Brazilian defense in one of the game's first plays and sent a low shot inside the near post. It was fastest Olympic goal since FIFA began keeping records of the competition in 1976.The striker added the second with a firm header off a free kick in the 75th. Hulk scored for Brazil in injury time, but Oscar missed a header in the final seconds to waste the last chance for a comeback in front of 86,162 fans."Mexico will be celebrating on the streets," coach Luis Fernando Tena said. "It is a great honor for a coach to see his players singing the national anthem with gold medals around their necks. It's a very important moment for Mexican football."Brazil was also trying to win its first Olympic gold, which is the only significant trophy the five-time World Cup champions haven't won in soccer. The Brazilians established the London Games as the team's priority and arrived as the big favorite after bringing most of its top players for the competition. Many will also be on the team that will try to give Brazil the title at the 2014 World Cup at home."We are all sad. We know it was probably our only chance to win a gold medal," said Neymar, touted as the future of Brazilian soccer. "Four years from now most of us likely won't be here again, so this was our last Olympics. It was our last chance to win the gold."Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
