TOKYO, Japan – Mexico’s quest for a second Olympic Gold Medal came to a close on Tuesday with a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Brazil following a 0-0 draw in the semifinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Japan.
Mexico will now instead aim for the Bronze Medal on Friday against either Japan or Spain.
Mexico GK Guillermo Ochoa has enjoyed many top performances against Brazil in his career and he started off on the right foot with a fine save from Guilherme Arana in the 14’, followed by stopping Dani Alves’ free kick in the 23’.
El Tricolor would carve out their best chance of the first half in the 42’ when Uriel Antuna slipped a pass into the charging Luis Romo, whose shot was saved by Brazil GK Santos.
Brazil’s Richarlison had the best opportunity at breaking the deadlock in the second half in the 82’ when he turned a header that beat the outstretched arms of Ochoa, but bounced off the post.
Things stayed just as tight as played rolled past the full-time whistle and then through extra time, so matters had to be resolved in penalties.
From the spot, Santos saved the attempt of Eduardo Aguirre and Johan Vasquez hit the post, while Brazil converted all four of their penalties to take the 4-1 shootout victory.
