Source: Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images South America-Zimbo
Medals are being printed. Question is who gets what and which team will be the one of the quarterfinal winners not ever going home with a bronze. But first things first, the results of the Quarterfinals of the 2016 Men’s tournament of the Summer Olympiad.
Germany started the quarterfinals off with an emphatic 4-0 victory that was understood as a loud statement that the Germans would be pushing for medals after not qualifying for the tournament for so long.
The opening goal came from tournament leading scorer Serge Gnabry to end the half and give the squad belief. Matthias Ginter, David Selke, and Philipp Max rounded off the scoring to ensure that Germany would be able to get their first medal in football since the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.
Nigeria found their grove at the right time and earned themselves a match against Germany for a shot at the gold medal as they were able to come through 2-0 victors over Denmark.
Goals from John Obi Mikel and young Turkish based striker Aminu Umar ensured passage to the semifinals. The big highlight was in fact that Denmark was held from any offensive efforts until the second half when they were forced to push for the game. Nigeria will have their hands full next as they attempt to handle the high scoring Germans.
CONCACAF again has a team headed deep into the Men’s tournament, this time its surprise package Honduras. None of the issues surrounding Honduras and their football federation seem to phase this squad as a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Should the run still happen this this squad could be the first ever medal winners in their country’s history.
Young Alberth Elis broke the deadlock in the 59th minute and the rest of the squad held firm. This gives great hope going forward for Honduras. Not only has their Olympians never earned a medal but the senior squad has been under performing and their football governing body has been in disarray with Alfredo Hawit and Rafael Romero both being indited in the FIFA scandal. This is truly the happy story that is needed amidst all the chaos.
Hosts Brazil were having a difficult time and now face the daunting task of bringing home the gold as they dispatched Columbia 2-0 with the weight of the country bearing down.
For captain Neymar to get his goal in the 12 minute was massive considering the psyche of the average Brazil fan. Crowds have been known to start to turn on players after not procuring the goods. A second goal from Luan ensured that the hopes of the nation would not be in tears as they ended two years ago. Though that could still happen in the final on Sunday.
