Jordan Silva (pictured) is confident that Mexico can repeat as the Men's Olympic champion as Rio 2016 gets underway on August 4, 2016. (Photo Mexsport)
SALVADOR, Brazil – Mexico wants to open defense of its Olympic Games gold medal with a win on Thursday, when it launches Rio 2016 Group C play against Germany at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova.
Four years after the Tricolor defeated Brazil, 2-1, in the London 2012 final, there’s a sense of urgency to set the right tone immediately. The Germans qualified for the Olympics by reaching the semifinals of the 2015 UEFA Under-21 Championship, where they suffered a 5-0 loss to eventual runner-up Portugal.
“Obviously, a win would be good and more so at the start because it is very important for the confidence that it gives us,” said Toluca defender Jordan Silva. “Beating Germany would be a plus and we are focusing on that. We are aware of what that opponent represents.”
There is no lack of confidence in the Mexican camp. Two straight CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying crowns and a gold medal in the last three competitive tournaments has helped to instill unity and a winning attitude.
“We are all one in the national team,” praised 22-year-old Guadalajara forward Marco Bueno. “Whoever is there is going to do very well and for that we are 18 players. The team finds itself in a good environment, working on everything to arrive in the best way for the start of the tournament.”
After meeting Germany, Mexico will take on Fiji (August 7 in Salvador) and Korea Republic (August 10 in Brasilia).
