Brazil beats Belgium 3-0 to win Olympic football bronze

Brazil won bronze medal of Beijing Olympic men's football tournament here on Friday by beating Belgium 3-0.

The match began with stalemate, in which Belgium offensive performed slightly better. Brazilian big names seemed unlucky, with Ronaldinho yellow carded for faking a fall in the 26th minute, followed by an offside bicycle kick in minute 7.

Diego scored the first goal at Rafinha's cross in the 27th minute. And in the 45th minute Jo scored the second with a nice header, altering the halftime score into 2-0.

However, the consecutive goals didn't drive Brazil toward a more Brazilian way, making the rest of the match unattractive.

The Selecao, though shining with Ronaldinho and Ramires' superb passing capabilities to move past a chain of Belgium defenders, were a little bit conservative. From time to time, rounds of dull exchanges among their own defenders aroused catcalls from the disappointed Brazil fans.

The less lively Selecao left a series of opportunities to Belgium near the net. However, Belgium forwards, more active but less experienced, failed to grasp the chances.

Obviously they were determined for continuous attacks, but neither their individual skills nor team organization was capable of filling the gap. By the end of the match, Jo took a last-gasp goal to seal their victory at 3-0.

Brazil beat Belgium 1-0 in their first group game. Before Beijing Games, the two teams have met only once in a major international tournament, with Brazil defeating Belgium 2-0 in the elimination round of the 2002 World Cup, a tournament that Brazil eventually won.

Despite being five-times world champion, Brazil's best Olympic effort had been two silver medals in 1984 and 1988, plus a bronze in 1996. As Brazil's fourth Olympic medal, the bronze is the only consolation Brazil can be happy with.

Source: Xinhua