Brazil kicked off their Olympics campaign in style by putting four past a Germany side who were eventually reduced to ten men. While two late German goals hinted at the slightest possibility of a comeback, the result was never really in doubt and Brazil should have really won by more.

Richarlison got things underway with a goal just seven minutes into the match. He latched onto a magnificent Antony pass which left him one-on-one with Muller in the Germany goal. The goalkeeper made a decent save to deny him at the first attempt, but the rebound bounced back into the path of the Everton man to finish into an empty net from the angle.

Richarlison should have made it two when he pondered a second one-on-one following a defensive error by Pieper, but he atoned for his miss just minutes later. Guimaraes found himself in space down the left before flashing a fine cross into the box, right on the striker's head to turn in from close range.

The Everton striker completed his hat-trick just seconds shy of the half-hour mark, again finding himself in acres and duly obliging by placing a fine finish into the far corner. Cunha then had a penalty saved in first half stoppage time, meaning his side had to settle for just a 3-0 advantage.

The Brazilians notably took their foot off the gas in the second half, and allowed Amiri to pull one back through a volley that somehow squirmed through Santos' gloves and into the Brazil goal. Despite a second yellow card for German skipper Arnold on 63 minutes, Brazil found themselves enjoying a nervy finish after Ache headed home on 84 minutes, bringing Germany within one goal of an undeserved draw.

Meanwhile, Brazil continued to squander chances, as Cunha in particular almost looked determined not to score. At the other end though, Germany pushed but never really looked like equalising. The gaps created at the back allowed Paulinho to put the icing on the cake with practically the last kick of the game, a fine finish making it 4-2 in a match which could have easily ended up as a cricket score.

As a result, Brazil go top of Group D on goal difference, just ahead of Ivory Coast in second who were victorious in their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

July 22, 2021

Ragnar Ache

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