After Spain's first-round shock elimination, this was supposed to have been the occasion when Brazil, five-time world champions, finally shook off their reputation as Olympic bridesmaids.

Instead, in a carnival atmosphere at a packed Wembley, it was Mexico who became the 18th winner of the men's Olympic football competition with a thoroughly deserved 2-1 win, both goals scored by Oribe Peralta who emerged as a new Olympic hero.

Just over half a century ago, Mexico were humiliated 8-0 by England at the same venue.

But this is the new Wembley where a crowd of over 86,000 saw a new Mexico pull off a result that will send waves of shock and embarrassment throughout Brazil who are now under even more pressure to deliver at the next World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics two years later, both on home soil.

The final whistle brought scenes of sheer elation among the Mexican players who celebrated their moment in the London 2012 spotlight by dancing together in an all-green huddle in the centre circle and passing round a sombrero, while the Brazilians, still waiting for their first Olympic triumph after 60 years, slumped to their knees in agonising disbelief after taking the silver for the third time.

South Korea clinched the bronze with a 2-0 win over Japan at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Oribe Peralta (right) scores Mexico's second goal against Brazil during the London 2012 football final 

Although the Olympics is mainly an under-23 competition Brazil's line-up included the likes of Neymar, touted by virtually all the top European clubs, Inter Milan's Leandro Damião and much-lauded new Chelsea signing Oscar.

Seven of the Brazilian starting 11 play their club football in Europe while Mexico's youthful side, hardly any of whom are known outside their own country, all play for teams back home.

Add to that the fact that Brazil's bench included the likes of AC Milan's Pato, Porto's Hulk and Lucas – reportedly about to join Paris Saint-Germain for £35 million ($56 million/€45 million) – and you get some idea of the resources at Brazil's disposal.

Talk about talent in abundance.

Yet still they could not make it count, crashing to defeat when it mattered, despite having scored 15 goals in five matches.

Not surprisingly, they looked utterly crestfallen at the medal ceremony, with the position of coach Mano Menezes, who is also the coach of the senior side, surely now in serious doubt.

Brazil's Leandro Damião, Oscar and Neymar appear visibly disappointed on the podium at Wembley Stadium

A display sorely lacking in teamwork and cohesion began in the worst possible way.

After just 28 seconds, in fact.

Manchester United's Rafael was caught in possession and the ball was played into the path of Peralta who curled in a terrific effort from the edge of the box.

Mexico beat Brazil 2-0 when they last met in a friendly earlier in the summer and had won three of their last five matches against the samba boys before today.

On paper, given the respective lineups, that should not have made any difference but even after going behind Brazil continued to look surprisingly uninventive.

As a result, with half an hour gone, Menezes made a tactical change as Hulk replaced Alex Sandro to provide more penetration.

He wasted no time to make his mark, thundering in a 30-yard drive that Corona saved late.

Brazil have not been unaccustomed to trailing in this tournament.

Mexico's Jorge Enríquez (left) and Nestor Vidrio (right) in action against Brazil's Alexandre Pato (centre) during the football final at Wembly

Both against Belarus and in the quarter-final against Honduras they were forced to come from behind and Marcelo should have equalised instead of slashing his shot wide from 15 yards.

In first-half stoppage time Neymar's 25-yard effort – his first telling contribution – flashed just wide and with Hulk's power making a considerable difference, the second half promised far more from a team who had lacked leadership.

But as the second half progressed, it was Mexico who regained the upper hand, refusing to be rattled as they sensed the gold was theirs.

A bad mistake at the back by Brazil skipper Tiago Silva let in Marco Fabien with the goal at his mercy.

But as the ball ran away from him, he was forced into a bicycle kick that crashed against the bar.

Mexico should have been home and dry in with their next two moves.

Peralta was ruled offside after sweeping the ball home while Fabien headed on to the roof of the net.

Oribe Peralta (in green) vies for the ball against Brazil players Juan Jesus, Alex Sandro and  Romulo during the London 2012 men's football final match 

But on 75 minutes they rocked Brazil again.

A free-kick was swung over and Peralta, completely unmarked, ran forward to plant a powerful header into the bottom corner.

Brazil were not quite finished.

In a frantic finale, Hulk pulled one back in stoppage time and an Oscar header was narrowly off target.

But this was Mexico's day – and how they cherished it.

"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," said Peralta.

"I dreamed about this moment.

"It is one of those things you don't get to live every day.

"Brazil were the favourites but we knew that would put some extra pressure on them."

Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena dedicated victory to his late father.

"He is still kicking a ball up in heaven," he said.

"To sing the national anthem with a gold medal around your neck is priceless.

Fans celebrate after Mexico's London 2012 football victory

"Winning this gold medal on the sacred pitch of Wembley makes it even more special.

"This is a fair reward for my 18 warriors."

Menezes did not hide his pain.

"You can see from the look on my face what my feelings are.

"I'm very sad," he said.

"We did some excellent work in the tournament, but it wasn't enough."

"When you lose you feel under dark skies.

"That was the atmosphere I left in the dressing room right now.

"Yet again we came close but didn't quite get it.

"I'm forced to conclude that we're missing something in our under-23 structure.

"The World Cup in 2014 remains our goal."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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