An Olympic Football tournament is never shy of drama, and as the semi-finals kick off today, we explore some of the very best matches from this round of the competition from over the years.
From rivalries in Beijing, sixteen years ago, to a behind closed doors tournament in Tokyo, three years ago, here are the very best Olympic Football semi-finals from over the years.
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Argentina vs Brazil, Beijing 2008
Two star-studded lineups went head-to-head in the Far East, with La Abiceleste thumping their rivals Brazil in the last four tie at the 2008 edition of the Olympic Games.
Argentina, boasting the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Mascherano, Juan Roman Riquelme, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi thumped Brazil by three goals to nil, despite Seleção fielding Marcelo, well-respected midfielder Lucas Leiva and legend Ronaldinho in their starting lineup.
The first half of the tie was incredibly cagey, as you would imagine, however, in the second half, there was a noticeable gulf in quality between the two teams. A brace from former Manchester City and Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero sent Argentina flying into a two goal lead just minutes before the hour mark.
Fourteen minutes before the ninety was over, Riquelme, who was selected by Sergio Batista as an overage player, stepped up from twelve yards out to seal a victory for his side, as they continued their hunt for a second consecutive gold medal at the games.
With less than ten minutes to go and Brazil being 3-0 down, all remaining discipline was lost as Lucas Leiva and substitute Augusto Thiago Neves were both given their marching orders, meaning Brazil ended the clash with nine men and crashed out in embarrassing fashion.
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Brazil vs Honduras, Rio 2016
At the legendary Maracanã Stadium, hosts Brazil hit minnows Honduras for six, in a thrilling semi-final clash.
Captain Neymar started on the left, and broke the deadlock after just fifteen seconds - the quickest ever goal scored at an Olympic football tournament. There was a slight scare for the nation, as Neymar seemingly needed urgent medical attention, and despite initially laying down on a stretcher, he returned to the action and influenced proceedings later on in the tie.
In the remainder of the first half, current Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus also notched twice, meaning the Brazilian team headed into the break with a comfortable cushion against their South American opponents.
In the second half, centre-back Marquinhos added to the scoreline from close range, before Luan made it five in the 79th minute. In second-half stoppage time, Neymar stepped up from the penalty spot to round off an exhilarating display.
The victory meant that the 52,457 fans inside the Maracanã were able to watch Rogério Micale's side reach back-to-back finals at the Olympic Games.
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Mexico vs Brazil, Tokyo 2020
Despite the game ending in a goalless draw, the two South American sides went to a penalty shootout, with the drama from twelve yards acting as the rationale behind this inclusion.
Brazil named a lineup which included a whole host of global stars, which included captain Dani Alves, Douglas Luis, Bruno Guimaraes, Richarlison and Antony. The former Everton striker came close to winning the tie for his nation, as he leapt to meet Alves' cross, but his header cannoned off the post.
After two hours of football in the Japanese heat, the tie was still at a stalemate, and penalties were to follow. 38-year-old Alves stepped up first and scored, shortly followed by Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Newcastle United's Guimaraes, who put the gold medal holders 3-0 up.
Carlos Rodriguez had to score to keep Mexico in the game, seeing as teammates Eduardo Aguirre and Johan Vasquez had failed to convert before him. Rodriguez found the back of the net, but it was too little too late as youngster Reinier sealed the victory for Seleção with the next spot kick.
