Brazil’s Olympic curse struck again as Mexico secured arguably the greatest triumph in their history by winning London 2012 gold at Wembley.
Oribe Peralta wrote his name into Mexican folklore with a deadly double against the five-time world champions, who many believed were destined finally to end their agonising wait for Olympic glory.
But despite Hulk pulling a goal back in stoppage-time and Chelsea new boy Oscar missing a last-gasp sitter, Brazil were a shadow of the attacking force that had smashed in 15 goals en route to the final and displayed the defensive frailty that has long dogged them.
In sharp contrast, Mexico completed their transformation from one of the most notorious also-rans in world football to a side capable of delivering on the biggest stage.
And they could not have picked a better time than in front of 86,162 at the home of football in what was their first truly global major final.
The game promised to be a goal-fest, with Brazil having scored three times in all five of their matches and their opponents netting seven in their last two.
But few would have predicted the fastest goal ever in a FIFA tournament final – also thought to be the quickest in Olympic history – after just 28 seconds.
Manchester United right-back Rafael’s hospital pass was intercepted by Javier Aquino and the ball broke for Peralta to race goal-ward unchallenged and fire home.
It was not the first time Brazil had been behind at London 2012 and they might have levelled in the 13th minute when Thiago Silva headed Neymar’s free-kick over.
Oscar also should have done better than find Jose Corona when he was allowed to turn and shoot eight yards out.
Brazil’s sloppiness continued as they found it hard to penetrate a fiercely committed opposition and made poor decisions when they did.
They made an attacking change just past the half-hour mark when midfielder Alex Sandro was withdrawn for Porto team-mate Hulk.
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