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Brazil vs Germany highlights: Rio Olympics men's football gold medal match

20th August, 2016
Kickoff: 06.30 AEST, Sunday August 21, 2016
Venue: Maracana, Rio de Janeiro
Head to Head: Never Played at the Olympics
Last Meeting: Never Played at the Olympics
Betting (after 90 minutes): Brazil $1.95, Draw $3.50, Germany $3.80
Germany won the 2014 football world cup in Brazil (Image: Wikicommons)
Roar Guru
20th August, 2016
97

History is set to be made at the Maracana on Sunday morning, as hosts Brazil face Germany in the men’s football gold medal match at Rio 2016. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6:15am (AEST) on Sunday morning.

Revenge has been ruled out as a motive by Brazilian players and coaches alike. Yet their people still hurt from the horror that transpired two years ago, when their senior team was humiliated at the hands of Germany.

Only Neymar remains from that Brazil squad, and even he didn’t make it onto the pitch on that fateful evening at Belo Horizonte, as a horrified nation watched seven goals pass through Julio Cesar’s net.

In many ways, Neymar was symptomatic of the hidden problem Brazil were rudely forced to realise to, that their team wasn’t up to scratch, and that their hopes and dreams were little more than hometown hyperbole.

Two years on, the decorated histories of both teams now contest for one title that has thus far eluded them. While Brazil may seek redemption, Germany seek a footballing double, following their ladies’ triumph only on Saturday.

Following a slow start of two draws against lowly South Africa and Iraq, Brazil have brushed aside far more fabled opposition convincingly to the tune of 12 goals, with none conceded.

While Neymar’s starpower is the obvious crux, the performances of Santos forward Gabriel Barbosa gives the hosts a much-needed alternative, while in Rafinha and Marquinhos, Brazil have chosen wisely their three senior players to occupy the central spine.

While Brazil were able to smash six past Honduras in the semi-final, occupying a four-man forward line will likely be out of the equation. Possible changes may be to strengthen the midfield, where possibly both Luan and Gabriel Jesus will make way.

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Germany have nothing to capitalise on from the events of Belo Horizonte, regardless of how deep the wounds hold for the Brazilian public that will surely heckle their every move at the Maracana.

As with Brazil, Germany contrived to stalemate their first two group games before emphatically entering the quarter-finals with a 10-0 thumping of minnows Fiji.

As with Brazil, their progress in the knockouts have been similarly convincing on the scoresheet. Coach Horst Hrubesch will likely retain the XI that beat Nigeria in the semis, with Davie Selke opted as the lone frontman, while packing a five-man midfield to nullify Neymar and company.

The influences of the Bender twins in midfield on either side of captain Max Meyer will be critical in asserting Germany’s foothold, while Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry will alternate between a traditional number 10 and dropping to either wing where required.

Across the park, Germany look the more balanced unit, but Brazil have the motivation. Nothing can heal the scars of Mineirazo, but a gold medal will serve minimal relief to a nation eager to reintroduce silverware into their identity.

Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6:15am (AEST) on Sunday morning.

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