Men's Olympic Soccer 2012 Schedule: Japan and Mexico Win - Brazil, Honduras, GB and SKorea in Quarter Finals
The Men's Olympic Soccer 2012 tournament sees a wave of action on Saturday as the knock out quarter finals are held.
Already on Saturday Japan have beaten Egypt 3-0 in a one-sided contest that means the Japanese team moves to the semi finals. Elsewhere a much tighter game saw Mexico come through their match against Senegal 4-2 after the game was deadlocked at 2-2. But one of the major talking points of the game was not about the soccer, but rather for an outrageous challenge from Senegal's Pape Souare on Mexico's Hector Herrera – in one of the most blatant red card challenges you are can ever expect to see.
However, one of the biggest shocks of the tournament was on the cards in the Brazil vs. Honduras game. Honduras took an early lead to stun the favorites for the soccer gold medal. However, Honduras seemingly imploded and seem to be letting their opportunity slip away, as they received a red card for Wilmer Crisanto with still more than an hour left on the clock. And indeed Brazil, as expected, capitalized on their superior numbers quickly; scoring an equalizer through Da Silva Leandro Damiao to leave the scores level at half time 1-1.
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But not many teams can survive with just 10 men against Brazil, and the tournament favorites are expected to come through in the second half of the game.
In the final quarter final taking place later on Saturday a fairly even contest awaits, as a handy South Korea team will be looking to take on a defeat tournament hosts Great Britain. Great Britain who do not ordinarily get a team together for the Olympics due to the political issues surrounding bringing together players from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, have surprised many at the tournament by confidently making their way out of the group stages. The side, which has not played together much in the lead up to the tournament were soundly beaten by Brazil in a pre-tournament warm up which lowered expectations even further.
However, an impressive turn out in the group stages means fans will be giving them at least a 50:50 chance to go through against South Korea, although it would take a brave supporter to write off Korea's chances. The winner of this contest will meet the winner of the Brazil vs. Honduras match in the semi finals. The other semi final will be between Japan and Mexico, with the winner of the semi finals guaranteed at least a silver from the final game.
