Brazil advanced to the men's soccer Gold Medal Match with a clinical 6-0 win over Honduras to reach the final against either Germany or Nigeria. Neymar and Jesus each found the back of the net twice to send the hosts to the Maracana for the final.
Neymar scores quickest goal in Olympic history to send hosts on their way
Already up against it, Honduran defender Johnny Palacios made a crucial error, presenting the ball to Neymar in front of goal. Goalkeeper Luis Lopez came out to challenge but the ball ricocheted off Neymar's knee and into the back of the net for the fastest goal in Olympic football history, just 14 seconds into the match. Neymar took a blow to the stomach and initially appeared like he'd be able to continue as he was carried off on a stretcher but soon he was jogging back on.
They added a second in the 26th minute, Luan playing a through ball to Jesus as he calmly slotted the ball behind Lopez for a 2-0 lead. Nine minutes later, the hosts made it 3-0, Jesus scoring his second, again beating the Honduran defense for pace and this time confidently striking the ball high into the net. That would be the score heading into halftime, the hosts rampant and in full control, while their visitors were left to ponder just how bad it would get.
Brazil scores three more to romp into the final
The hosts nearly netted a fourth just after halftime. Luan missed a chance when he shot straight at Lopez, the keeper making an easy save, but six minutes later, Brazil had their fourth. A corner landed at the feet of an unmarked Marquinhos on the edge of the six-yard box and he had time to sort his feet out before firing past Lopez. It was nearly five soon after as twice Neymar nearly added to the total from free kicks, first forcing a fine save at the base of his post from Lopez before curling an effort just wide. With eleven minutes to go, the hosts had their fifth, substitute Felipe Anderson setting up Luan for an easy tap in past a helpless Lopez.
Having racked up five yellow cards and no shots on target in 80 minutes, Honduras finally threatened, with Allen Banegas and Alberth Elis both forcing saves from Weverton. They would eventually concede a sixth in stoppage time. Palacios' nightmarish afternoon was complete when he was adjudged to have fouled Luan and Neymar stepped up to roll in the penalty, his second of the game as the hosts eased their way into the final, looking every bit the favorite.
Their opponents will be either World Cup tormentors Germany, who humiliated them 7-1 in the Mineirazo, or Nigeria, having scored 12 goals and conceded none, their defense an iron wall during the tournament. The Gold Medal Match is Friday.