Tokyo Olympics: Brazil defend gold medal, down Spain in extra time of men's soccer final

Brazilians edge victory in Yokohama through Malcom

Brazil have successfully defended their Olympic men's soccer gold medal after a 2-1 victory over Spain in extra time at International Stadium Yokohama on Saturday.

Matheus Cunha and Malcom goals confirmed the Selecao's back-to-back victories while Mikel Oyarzabal had sent the contest beyond 90 minutes with his equalizer.

Richarlison missed a first half penalty and a chance to put the game out of sight inside of the regulation time, but Andre Jardine's men did enough to earn their victory.

Cunha gave Brazil the lead just before half time when he punished some sloppy Spanish defending and it was a relief for tournament top scorer Richarlison (five) who failed to hit the target from the spot earlier in the first half.

Oyarzabal levelled for La Rojita with a superb second half volley and it was enough to force extra time as Luis de la Fuente's side sought to end a 30-year wait for gold.

However, it was not to be as Malcom put the finishing touches on an incisive counter-attack which featured a brilliant Antony pass to secure the gold for the South Americans.

Brazil are now the second nation after Argentina to have won back-to-back Olympic gold medals after building on their 2016 success at these Tokyo Games and veteran captain Dani Alves adds the 44th title of his storied career.

Brazil 2, Spain 1 (AET)

[Aug 7, 2021 at 10:10 am ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Brazil get gold!

The Selecao have done it with a 2-1 win over Spain after extra time. The Brazilians successfully defend their 2016 title through Cunha & Malcom goals either side of Oyarzabal's strike, but Richarlison also missed a penalty. Brazil join Argentina in being consecutive Olympic gold medal winners.

[Aug 7, 2021 at 9:52 am ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Brazil back in front

The Selcao are back ahead through Malcom as Brazil hit Spain on the counter attack & that could seal the gold medal for the 2016 champions as they aim for back-to-back titles. Sensational Antony assist & La Rojita need something now to at least force penalties.

[Aug 7, 2021 at 9:27 am ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Extra time

Into extra time we go! Level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the gold medal contest could now go all the way to penalties. Cunha's opener was pegged back by Oyarzabal while Richarlison also missed a penalty in an entertaining game so far. 

[Aug 7, 2021 at 9:09 am ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Approaching the final 10 minutes of the regulation 90 of what has been a very enjoyable Olympic gold medal clash so far. Cunha's opener for Brazil cancelled out by Oyarzabal's beauty for Spain -- both lovely goals. Richarlison has missed a first half penalty too which has added to the drama as the Selecao's title defense hangs in the balance in Yokohama.