Brazil trounces Denmark to snatch 1st in Group A; will meet Colombia
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Brazil has awoken from its slumber.
After going the first 206 minutes of play at Rio 2016 without a goal, the Selecao blitzed Denmark, finding the back of the net four times Wednesday to win 4-0 and take first place in Group A.
Brazil will now face Group B runner-up Colombia in Saturday's quarterfinal in Brasilia.
At one point Wednesday night, Brazil found itself out of the competition, with Group A rivals South Africa and Iraq also in contention to advance. But Gabriel Barbosa - known more commonly as Gabigol - erased any doubts in the 26th minute with a desperate finish in the penalty box.
Linked with moves to Leicester City, Inter, and Juventus, the 19-year-old Santos striker soaked in the moment and jumped into the stands as the Brazilians in attendance at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova burst with nervous energy.
Now free of the shame of going scoreless on home soil, Brazil continued to attack its Danish counterparts without interruption, and new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus joined the party. The 19-year-old walloped the second goal of the night from close range, putting the host nation firmly in front.
Luan's tap-in after the interval and Gabigol's second tally in the 80th minute secured the result.
Brazil's only scare of the match was the sight of captain Neymar in pain. Toward the end of a second half otherwise in cruise control, the Barcelona superstar appeared to roll his ankle as he took a shot.
Neymar famously missed the knockout rounds of the 2014 World Cup with a fractured vertebra, but he managed to avoid a similar nightmare on this occasion. A little magic spray, and he was back on the pitch.
It's been a tough tournament for Neymar, who was derided by Brazilians across the the country after poor performances against South Africa and Iraq. Fans heckled him at matches and staged protests by outwardly supporting Brazilian female soccer star Marta instead.
No matter: Brazil's pursuit of a first goal medal in Olympic men's soccer is still alive.