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Spain U23 take on Brazil U23 in the final of the men's football competition at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. Brazil won the gold medal in 2016 and will be looking to grab the top prize here as well.
Spain booked their spot in the final with a 1-0 win over Japan in the semifinal, with Marco Asensio scoring the winning goal in the 115th minute. Meanwhile, the defending champions beat Mexico 4-1 in a penalty shootout.
The Red Fury have just one Olympic gold medal to their name, which they won at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. They last made it to the final in 2000, where they lost to Cameroon. Brazil have made it to the final a record five times but have just one gold medal to their name.
There are some big names missing from either side, including Neymar for Brazil and Alvaro Morata for Spain, but the youthful squads have done well at the tournament.
With the gold medal match all set to kick off later today, we take a look at five players to watch out for in the showdown:
#5 Dani Alves | Brazil
Dani Alves was named in the Brazil U-23 side for the Olympics. He had to withdraw from Copa America on account of an injury but returned to the national team for the Olympics.
Though he's won 43 titles with club and country, most of the silverware has come during his time with Barcelona. With Brazil, he's not been that lucky. With the 38-year-old now approaching the end of his career, he will be seeking a gold medal in Tokyo.
Alves has played every single minute of Brazil's road to the final. His experience, vision and determination down the right flank make him one of the key players in the game against Spain.
#4 Marco Asensio | Spain
Marco Asensio is a player with immense potential but his involvement has been limited on account of recurring injuries. The 25-year-old had a relatively modest outing at the Olympics. He was not even named in the starting XI in the crucial semifinal tie.
The Real Madrid star was brought in as a second-half substitute and did what he does best, providing a much-needed spark in the final third. After being on the field for 23 minutes, Asensio scored a beautiful left-footed curler to seal Spain's spot in the finals.
His explosive pace and wicked left foot could make him a gamechanger in the final against Brazil as well.
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#3 Pedri | Spain
One of the breakout stars of the 2020-21 campaign in European football has been Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pedri. The player, who turned 18 last November, has been an ever-present figure for both club and country. He's already played in 72 games this season. When he features in the final against Brazil, he'll have the most appearances during the 2020-21 campaign, overtaking Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes.
Pedri has impressed with his distribution skills and tireless running and was key to Spain's road to the final. He has completed the most passes into the final third at the Olympics.
The Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament winner will be looking to help Spain to their first Olympic title since 1992. His distribution skills from the middle of the park will be a key factor in determining how well Spain fare against the reigning champions.
#2 Matheus Cunha | Brazil
Matheus Cunha is a relatively lesser-known player on this list. However, he has a lot of potential and scored two of Brazil's eight goals in the competition. The Hertha Berlin striker is a versatile attacking player and is as comfortable in link-up play as he is in front of goal. He was the top scorer in the qualifying stage.
The 22-year-old missed the semifinal against Mexico on account of a muscle injury but has since trained with the squad and is in contention to start in the final. His ability to run at the defenders and open up space for his teammates in the final third will come in handy against Spain.
#1 Richarlison | Brazil
Richarlison is one of three overage players in Brazil's Tokyo Olympics 2021 squad. His inclusion in the squad was justified by five goals in five appearances, including a first-half hat-trick against Germany.
The 24-year-old has led the way in front of goal for Selecao. Only three of their players have found the back of the net for them in the competition. Of them, the Everton striker has scored five of their eight goals so far.
Richarlison has been in incredible form during the 2020-21 campaign and will be hoping to cap it off with the winning goal in the Olympic finals against Spain.
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