Friday, August 22, 2008 - 11:39 PM

Brazil has overcome its deep frustration at not making the men's Olympic football final by putting away Belgium 3-0 to take the bronze medal.

Goals to Diego and Jo in the first half and a second to Jo on full-time settled the outcome.

It was the second time they had met in these Olympics, after Brazil narrowly won their opening pool match 1-0, but this time the samba boys were not as laid back.

Although clearly demoralised by its 3-0 semi-final loss to Argentina, Brazil had inspirational captain Ronaldinho to re-ignite its motivation with a masterful display in the midfield.

The AC Milan star created numerous opportunities through the first half starting with a header that just sailed over the bar in the opening minutes.

The bronze medals adds to Brazil's collection of two silvers (1984, 1988) and another bronze at Atlanta in 1996, but again the one prize they want, an Olympic gold medal, has eluded the five times world champion.

Belgium at least has the history books to show they won the Olympic final at the 1920 Antwerp Games.




Brazil has overcome its deep frustration at not making the men's Olympic football final by putting away Belgium 3-0 to take the bronze medal.

Goals to Diego and Jo in the first half and a second to Jo on full-time settled the outcome.

It was the second time they had met in these Olympics, after Brazil narrowly won their opening pool match 1-0, but this time the samba boys were not as laid back.

Although clearly demoralised by its 3-0 semi-final loss to Argentina, Brazil had inspirational captain Ronaldinho to re-ignite its motivation with a masterful display in the midfield.

The AC Milan star created numerous opportunities through the first half starting with a header that just sailed over the bar in the opening minutes.

The bronze medals adds to Brazil's collection of two silvers (1984, 1988) and another bronze at Atlanta in 1996, but again the one prize they want, an Olympic gold medal, has eluded the five times world champion.

Belgium at least has the history books to show they won the Olympic final at the 1920 Antwerp Games.