Brazil 3-0 New Zealand
Brazil underlined their billing as pre-tournament gold medal favourites, after recording an impressive 3-0 victory over New Zealand at the Sports Direct Arena in Newcastle.
The South Americans finish top of Group C with maximum points from their three games and will stay in Tyneside to face Honduras in the quarter-finals at the weekend.
New Zealand have been knocked out as Egypt also progressed from this group, courtesy of a 3-1 triumph over Belarus.
Despite finishing with ten men, as Alex Sandro was sent off for two yellow cards, the Brazilians never looked in too much trouble here.
With other leading contenders Spain and Uruguay both being eliminated in the group stages, they have to be strong favourites with everyone now to win the gold medal.
Flowing moves
A typical flowing move saw FC Porto midfielder Danilo break the deadlock for the favourites in the 22nd minute.
Six minutes later it was 2-0 with an even better move, which involved Marcelo and Alex Sandro, who crossed in for Leandro Damiao to double the lead with a simple finish.
It is Damiao’s second goal of the tournament so far, having also netted in Cardiff earlier in the group against the Egyptians.
The scoring was completed in the 51st minute with a dangerous free-kick delivery from Marcelo, being turned in at the back post by Sandro of Tottenham Hotspur.
The only setback on a comfortable day for Brazil was two quick yellow cards for Alex Sandro, which resulted in an early shower for the creative midfielder.
His second yellow card was for simulation and it could be a costly dismissal, as it means he misses the quarter-final with Honduras.
However, with a 100 per cent record so far, Brazil continue to set the standard so far at the London Olympics.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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