Thursday 11 August 2016, 03:58

Brazil hit form to keep golden dream alive

Brazil belatedly found their goalscoring form to defeat Denmark 4-0 in Salvador and progress to the quarter-finals 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 the host nation 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 later with a sumptuous strike having exchanged passes with Luan.

Then it was Luan’s turn to get on the scoresheet as he netted ten 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 ten minutes remaining.

The win sees Brazil set to face South American rivals Colombia in a potentially epic quarter-final match-up, while Denmark clung onto second and will now face Nigeria.