Spain scored the winning goal against hosts Japan only five minutes before the end of extra time, Brazil had to earn the final against Mexico after 120 goalless minutes in the penalty shoot-out.
In Brazil, which won Olympic gold with superstar Neymar at their home Maracana Stadium five years ago, goalkeeper Santos became the match winner. The goalkeeper of Athletico Paranaense fended off two attempts by the Mexicans in the penalty shootout, while all four Brazilians scored. The victory of the «Seleção» was deserved. The Brazilians were better and had more chances. The best was awarded by Everton’s striker Richarlison, the tournament’s top scorer, with a header on the post (82nd).
Spain’s hero was Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio, 25. The former great talent, which has stagnated so much in recent years, decided the semi-final against Japan in the 115th minute with a remarkable left-footed shot from the half-right position. Asensio was substituted on just before extra time.
The Spaniards turn out to be specialists in late goals: In the quarter-finals against Ivory Coast they saved themselves thanks to a goal in stoppage time in extra time, in which they then won 5-2. And in the preliminary round, the decisive goal in the only win (1-0 against Australia) came only nine minutes before the end.
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