Olympic team takes off in the final stage, beats Saudi Arabia and goes to the quarterfinals of the Olympics

Matheus Cunha commemorates goal against Saudi Arabia (Credit: AFP)

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The Olympic team had a hard time, but, after taking off in the second half, it secured the classification to the quarter finals of the Olympics with a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, this Wednesday, at Saitama Stadium. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring early in the game and, after Alamiri tied still in the early stage, André Jardine’s changes paid off and made Richarlison shine by scoring two goals. Brazil, leader of Group D, is waiting for the Group C games to find out which opponent will be. The team takes second place.

SOMNOLENCE

The Olympic team made a start worthy of challenging insomniacs. With Claudinho tied on the left and Richarlison and Antony occupying the same space, André Jardine’s team was bureaucratic in exchanging passes. Gradually, Saudi Arabia got into a frenzy with Alsharani and saw Abdulhamid stuff his foot in the direction of goal, but send the ball to the sideline.

THE GOAL OF DISenchantment

Gradually, the team took advantage of the gaps left in the Saudi defense. Claudinho and Guilherme Arana battled, but their respective submissions stopped marking. In the next move, there was a double relief for Brazil.

Claudinho took a corner kick to the area, Matheus Cunha broke away from the mark and shoved hard into the net. It was the first goal of shirt 9, who awaited eight submissions (among them, a penalty kick) to finally celebrate in the Olympic Games. The advantage enthused the Canarian team. Guilherme Arana advanced on the left and crossed for Antony to head in, but the ball capriciously stamped the crossbar. Then Bruno Guimarães kicked close to the crossbar.

GOAL OF DISENGANO

Brazil’s spirits, however, soon cooled down. In a crossed foul for the area, Alamri took advantage of Diego Carlos’ hesitation and, head, tied for Saudi Arabia. While the Olympic team continued to fumble in the exchange of passes, the Arabs even gave the canarinha defense work, especially in Abdulhamid’s crosses.

WHAT A FIGHT…

In fits and starts, André Jardine’s team found a course to the left. Guilherme Arana filled his foot and sent it close to the beam. Then, the full-back took advantage of a gap in the side and served Antony. The shirt 11, however, had his kick muffled by the goalkeeper.

NEW DIRECTIONS

The entry of Malcolm in place of Antony in the return of the break, little by little, was unraveling the Selection of the Saudi blockade. The Zenit forward served Daniel Alves, who threw Claudinho, but the midfielder headed for the goalkeeper’s defense. More participatory, the right-back served Matheus Cunha, who stopped in Albukari. and Richardison.

CRY OF GOAL STANDED IN THE THROAT

At 20 minutes, Brazil was very close to celebrating the equalizer. Matheus Henrique received the ball and Albukari hit the ball. In the leftover, Matheus Cunha, in front of the open goal, finished with the heel, but his attempt capriciously stopped at the crossbar. The game almost took on dramatic contours when Ghareeb took a free-kick from a distance and forced Santos to jump to palm.

The Olympic team soon took over the reins. Reinier made way for Richarlison to let go of his foot, but Albukari sprang to defend.

ARTILLER IN THE AREA

After so much struggle, the Olympic team finally found its goal. Daniel Alves raised a foul for the area. On the rebound of the defense, Bruno Guimarães anchored, Richarlison climbed between the defenders and headed hard into the back of the net.

STACKING CHANCES

Even with the advantage, there were still chances for André Jardine’s team in the final stretch. Richardson tried twice but couldn’t finish. Reinier then tabled Malcolm and took advantage of the glare to fill his foot, but stopped in good defense of Albukari.

The Seleção came to celebrate when Malcolm went down the right and, after a cross, Richarlison finished for the net. But the goal was disallowed by the referee due to Malcolm’s offside at the beginning of the play.

IT’S FOR THE ‘FLY’ SELECTION!

The classification of Brazil was finally enshrined in additions. Malcolm played for Reinier, who crossed at first. Top scorer Richarlison didn’t hesitate as he pushed into the net. The team goes to the quarterfinals of the Olympics, hoping that they will present a football without fluctuations.