Brazil are the reigning gold medalists in Olympic men’s football but are not in Paris to defend their title against fierce rivals Argentina.
Selecao claimed successive golds in 2016 and 2020, however, their first absence from the Games since 2004 ended hopes of a three-peat.
Brazil have won a men’s football medal at the past four Olympics but now will hope South American rivals Argentina don’t overtake them.
Why are Brazil not playing football at the Olympics?
Brazil failed to qualify for the men’s Olympic football tournament after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Argentina in February.
South America’s two qualification spots for Paris are claimed in the CONMEBOL pre-Olympics tournament, which was held earlier this year.
Brazil finished third of three teams in the final stage, with their narrow loss to Argentina under-23s seeing them miss out.
Luciano Gondou headed home Brighton left-back Valentin Barco’s cross to score the game’s only goal after 77 minutes.
However, it could have been so different had Brazil not come into the Superclásico de las Américas needing a result.
Brazil had put themselves under pressure with a shock 1-0 defeat to Paraguay six days earlier – who ultimately qualified with Argentina.
The country’s teenage prodigy Endrick squandered a golden chance to give Ramon Menezes’ side the initiative.
The new Real Madrid striker missed a penalty after 29 minutes, with Fabrizio Peralta’s header later condemning them to a costly defeat.
After failing to qualify, Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos admitted: “It is a very bad feeling, we prepared well for this.
Gold medals in Men’s football at the Olympics
Great Britain: 3 (1900, 1908, 1912)
Hungary: 3 (1952, 1964, 1968)
Argentina: 2 (2008, 2008)
Brazil: 2 (2016, 2020)
Soviet Union: 2 (1956, 1988)
Uruguay: 2 (1924, 1928)
“We struggled to keep the ball throughout the tournament.
“It didn’t go as we expected.”
Endrick’s failure from the spot ultimately paved the way for him to be unveiled as Madrid’s latest Galactico this weekend.
On the day Argentina play Iraq in Group B, the 18-year-old was instead presented at the Bernabeu.
His absence from the Paris Games has opened the door for him to join the Madrid squad on their pre-season tour of the United States.
News Summary:
- Why are Brazil not playing football at the Paris Olympics? Defending gold medalists miss 2024 Games after Endrick gaffe
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