Brazil’s Olympic side showed why their future looks golden with a 2-0 win against Stuart Pearce’s Team GB. Neymar played a part in both goals setting up Sandro’s opener and delivering from the penalty spot after Hulk was brought down in the area by Micah Richards.
Team GB struggled to get any foothold in the match, chasing shadows for long periods. After the game, Pearce admitted his team lacked fitness but insisted they will be ready for the kick-off of their Olympic fixtures.
The performance, as much as the score line, will disappoint the British fans who turned out to see Team GB reunite. The overage players, brought in to add experience and a calm head, failed to lift their younger teammates.
Perhaps facing Brazil was the perfect leveller for Pearce’s men and fans. Despite possessing a lot of talent they could not match Brazil’s control of the ball. The Brazilian’s seemed calmer in possession and more willing to experiment.
The crowd in Middlesbrough possibly witnessed two special occasions last night: one being the reuniting of the home nations (well, two of them anyway) and the second being, perhaps, the future world champions playing in England.
The Brazilians are looking to break their Olympic duck and get gold for the first time in their prestigious history. It seems likely that the players out last night will also be the same men who will be looking to rest the ghosts of the 1950 World Cup.
There will be a lot of pressure on those young shoulders but if last night’s performance was anything to go by, they look up for it.
Sam Murray
thefootballjourneyman 