Brazil almost belatedly found their goalscoring form on Wednesday to defeat Denmark 4-0 in Salvador and progress to the quarterfinals of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in style.
Following two scoreless draws, Brazil knew anything less than victory would likely mean an early exit and another dream of Olympic football gold medal dashed.
The host nation thus began aggressively and were duly rewarded with goals from Gabriel Barbosa and Gabriel Jesus by half-time.
Luan added a third soon after the break, while Gabriel Barbosa completed a double late on, much to the approval of a raucous crowd at the Arena Fonte Nova.
The attacking trio of Gabriel Barbosa, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar caused problems for the Danish defence from the outset with each enjoying sights on goal.
But it was Gabriel Barbosa who broke the deadlock on 26 minutes after Gabriel Jesus did the spadework on the left.
Gabriel Jesus doubled the advantage 14 minutes after with a sumptuous strike, having exchanged passes with Luan.
Then it was Luan’s turn to get on the scoresheet as he netted 10 minutes into the second half with a comfortable finish, as Gabriel Jesus again provided the assist.
Denmark barely mustered a genuine threat on goal, and Gabriel Barbosa completed a one-sided victory with 10 minutes remaining.
The win sees Brazil set to face South American rivals, Colombia, in a potentially epic quarterfinal match-up, while Denmark clung on to second and will now face Nigeria on Saturday, the same day all other quarterfinal matches will take place.
Full quarterfinal fixtures
Portugal vs Germany in Brasilia at the Estadio Nacional at 13.00hrs
Nigeria vs Denmark in Salvador at the Arena Fonte Nova at 16.00hrs
Korea Republic vs Honduras in Belo Horizonte at the Estadio Mineirao at 19.00hrs
Brazil vs Colombia in Sao Paulo at the Arena Corinthians at 22.00hrs
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