Xtra Time Web Desk: Reigning Olympics champion Brazil defeated Spain 2-1 in extra time to win the men’s football gold medal at the Tokyo Games in Yokohama on Saturday. The score at regulation time was 1-1. Substitute Malcom struck the winner for Brazil. Matheus Cunha took advantage of a defensive lapse to give Brazil the lead in first-half stoppage time. Spain equalised through Mikel Oyarzabal.
Brazil, who won gold on home soil at Rio 2016, became the fifth team to retain their Olympic crown. Brazil was awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review showed Simon fouled Cunha while attempting to punch away a cross. Richarlison wasted the penalty by sending the ball well over.
Marco Asensio, Spain’s match-winner in extra time against Japan in the previous round, lasted just 45 minutes as Carlos Soler came on for the second half, inadvertently getting in the way of a goalbound effort from Oyarzabal.
Brazil nearly doubled their lead when a quick break resulted in Simon making a terrific stop with his legs to divert Richarlison’s shot onto the bar.
In the bronze medal match Mexico beat hosts Japan.