Brazil retained their Olympic title with an extra time 2-1 success over Spain who had their moments but faded as the game progressed into overtime.
Brazil shaded the first period with goal on the stroke of half-time but Spain rallied after the break and deserved their leveller and whilst the South Americans could have sealed the game in normal time it was their European counterparts who hit the woodwork twice late on only to fade in extra time and for Brazil to deservedly take gold.
After a cagey start it was Spain who fashioned the first chance when Dani Olmo looked certain to apply the finishing touch to a Mikel Oyarzabal knock down but defender Diego Carlos got there first, but nearly diverted it into his own net before recovering to clear off the line.
Brazil reacted immediately as Spanish keeper Unai Simon scrambled away a deflected Douglas Luiz shot. At this stage La Roja had more of the ball but Brazil looked the more threatening. Richarlison hit the side netting but Spain replied with a Marco Asensio effort which was comfortably saved.
Then came the moment Brazil should have taken the lead. VAR, after being looked at by the Australian referee, decided a penalty was the punishment for the Spanish keeper flying off his line and taking out Matheus Cunha, without getting anything on the ball.
But the stuttering run up of Richarlison ended with the Everton player firing the ball high over the crossbar. But relief was at hand for the Brazilian in the 47th minute.
Dani Alves kept the ball in play from right on the touchline and with the Spanish central defenders hesitating Cunha took the ball down on his chest and rifled some from 12 yards.
Shortly after the break Richarlison almost doubled the South American’s advantage. From a quick break his shot deflected off the keeper and onto the woodwork and then to safety.
Within ten minutes Brazil rued that miss as Spain levelled with a brilliant side footed volley from Mikel Oyarzabal getting on the end of a Carlos Soler cross at the far post.
Spain looked the stronger and twice in the closing five minutes hit the crossbar. First a cross cum shot by Oscar Gil hit the top of the woodwork followed by a thumping shot from Bryan Gil which crashed against the bar.
But it all changed with the substitutions in extra time as Brazil dominated with Malcom proving the difference and it was his pace after constant pressure which led to the winning strike.
A long raking ball found Malcom who easily outpaced the defender and from a tight angle his shot deflected into the roof of the net.
Brazil comfortably played out the remainder of extra time to become only the fifth nation to ever win back-to-back gold medals
Full Time
AET
Brazil: 2 (Cunha 47, Malcom 107)
Spain: 1 (Oyarzabal 62)
Venue: Yokohama stadium, Yokohama
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