Mexico stunned favourites Brazil 2-1 at Wembley to win the men's Olympic football gold medal for the first time. Mexico's first-ever Olympic medal is gold. El Tri defeated Brazil 2-1 in the gold medal match Saturday, thanks to a goal on either side of halftime from Oribe Peralta. Hulk grabbed a stoppage-time goal that ended up serving as only a consolation.


El Tri got off to a dream start when it took advantage of Brazil's casual passing, creating a turnover which fell to Peralta at the top of the box. The Santos Laguna striker drove a low shot to the near post and 30 seconds in, the game had its first goal.

Mexico continued to harass the Brazilians, with Oscar only able to carve out a half-chance 20 minutes into the match. Just 31 minutes into the match, Mano Menezes felt it was time for a change, and yanked Alex Sandro off the pitch in favor of Porto attacker Hulk.

It didn't take long for Hulk to announce his intentions, as he blasted a 30-yard strike that swerved and dipped in the air, and had to be palmed away by Mexico goalkeeper Jose Corona.

Brazil was on the front foot as the second half began, but Mexico harried and harassed the Selecao, putting the side out of its comfort zone. Neymar got a half-chance, but blazed a shot over from inside the box.

Against the run of play, Mexico nearly found a second goal in the 63rd minute. Marco Fabian lifted the ball off Thiago Silva before getting an overhead kick on a bouncing ball that struck the crossbar.

With 15 minutes to play, El Tri did find its second. Off a free kick from the right flank, Peralta completely lost his mark and got a firm header on Fabian's cross, powering his side into a two-goal advantage.

Brazil did find a goal late, as Hulk was sent through behind the Mexican defense, and the Porto striker finished low with his right foot. There was only stoppage time for the Selecao to grab an equalizer, and it almost did when Oscar was left unmarked at the near post, but could only direct his header over the bar.

The chance was to be the last of the game, and with the full-time whistle, Mexico could celebrate an incredible triumph at Wembley Stadium.


"I don't know if this was the best match of my career, but what I do know is that this is the most important because I am here today with a gold medal," Peralta said.

"I dreamed about this moment. It is one of those things you don't get to live every day."

But it's a "thing" that one gets the feeling Mexico believes can become a habit.

"It's something I cannot describe in words," defender Hiram Mier said. "Mexico has changed a lot in football. I think from now on there are more wins."

But for the moment, Mexico just wanted to bask in the glare of a shiny disk.

"This is incredible," said defender Carlos Salcido, who along with Peralta and goalkeeper Jesus Corona comprised the overage veterans of the team. "It's a very emotional moment that none of us will ever forget. I have already bitten the medal and I can tell you it's real."

On Wednesday, Tena said the Mexican Football Federation will honor the Olympic champions at the Mexico-United States international friendly at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

"This is a great emotion for all our country," Tena said. "Mexico will be celebrating on the streets, and also Mexicans living in the USA will be proud to be Mexicans.

"It is a great honor for a coach to see his players singing the national anthem with gold medals around their necks."