TOKYO, Japan – It will be a battle of former Olympic champions on Tuesday as Mexico will do battle with Brazil in the semifinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Japan.
Mexico famously earned their first ever Gold Medal at London 2012 when they defeated Brazil in the Final, 2-1, while five years ago at Rio 2016, the Brazilians defended their home turf to claim the Gold Medal.
Mexico arrive into the encounter riding a wave of confidence after putting six goals past South Korea in their 6-3 quarterfinal triumph.
El Tricolor are getting contributions from all phases of their attack. 2020 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship Golden Boot winner Sebastian Cordova supplied a pair of goals and an assist against the South Koreans, while FW Henry Martin had a brace himself.
Also chipping in was 2020 CMOQ Golden Ball winner Alexis Vega, who has been at his playmaking best in the tournament, along with the ever-dangerous Luis Romo, who had a goal and an assist in the quarterfinal.
The Mexico attack will be put to the test by a stingy Brazilian defense that has only conceded three goals in the tournament.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Brazil are led by Richarlison, who leads the tournament in scoring with five goals, including a first half hat-trick in their 4-2 group stage win over Germany.
Tuesday’s contest marks their first Olympic battle since that Final in London, which should make for a very special affair between two sides dreaming of hearing their anthem played during next Saturday’s medal ceremony.
