The Brazilian men’s football team arrived at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as the big favorite. Two years earlier, they had won the World Cup, also in the United States, and had a dream team composed of promising young players and other seasoned veterans.
Bebeto, Rivaldo, and Aldair were the three over-23 players who strengthened the squad in all areas, led by Mário Lobo Zagallo. Among the youngsters were Ronaldo Nazário, Roberto Carlos, Dida, and Flávio Conceição, among others.
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The debut was far from expected: Japan surprised by defeating the Seleção 1-0. Then came the recovery, winning 3-1 against Hungary and 1-0 against Nigeria, a team that later had its revenge, to end up as the group leader.
Did you know? Brazil legend Bebeto has two Olympic medals!
Seoul 1988: 🥈
Atlanta 1996: 🥉
#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/SlN8RXgOn6— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 7, 2021
The quarterfinal match against Ghana was extremely challenging. The African team was up 2-1 with half an hour of play remaining, although from there, the comeback began, and the final result was 4-2 for Brazil.
The semifinal in the second match against Nigeria of the tournament was even more difficult. The Super Eagles also arrived at the Olympic Games with a strong team: Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, Taribo West, and Emmanuel Amunike were some of the big names who subsequently shone on the world stage.
Let me take us back to Talent & Passion
Nigeria 4 – 3 Brazil Semi final Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
pic.twitter.com/KDBYflJAO3— Eyitayo Olatunji (@HeyEnigma) December 28, 2023
Brazil started ahead within the first minute of play and was up 3-1 until their decline began towards the end. Nigeria scored in the 78th minute through Victor Ikpeba and at the last moment, Kanu, a striker who had played for Ajax and Arsenal and also scored the golden goal that sealed the ticket to the final, tied the game.
In that decisive match, Nigeria defeated Argentina 3-2 with another goal in the last minute and took the gold medal. Meanwhile, Brazil took the bronze by thrashing Portugal 5-0 in the match for third place.
Article originally written by Camil Straschnoy
