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Since their inaugural appearance in the Olympic football tournament
in 1952, the pressure to secure gold has been huge, but in August it
will reach unprecedented heights as, for the second time in two years,
the five-time world champions are being asked to triumph at a major
international tournament at home.
The Olympic gold remains the lone title for which they are eligible that Brazil yet to win and, after the disappointment of a 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the final of London 2012, Brazil’s obsession with the quest for gold is more desperate than ever.
New Flamengo striker Leandro Damiao was the star of the London games, finishing top scorer with six goals, and, speaking exclusively to Brasil Global Tour, he says he is confident that with Neymar, Gabigol and Gabriel Jesus, Brazil have the firepower to finally secure the gold medal.
"It's a dream for the city,” Damiao says.
“It is very special, the Olympic Village, the people you meet, to go in search of the gold. I had that opportunity but, unfortunately, we did not win. But now we have another chance, at home.
"Brazil are under immense pressure to win, but I think we have great players. Brazil will always field great teams but unfortunately last time we lost the final to Mexico and had to settle for silver.
“I'm sure that we will win because we have great players. I will be cheering for them.”
Senior team captain Neymar will lead the charge after the Brazilian football confederation (CBF) agreed with Barcelona that the forward would sit out of last month’s Copa America in order to lead the Olympic team in Rio.
And joined by the two Gabriels in attack, Damiao is confident the Selecao have the firepower to lead them to glory in Rio.
"They are great strikers and I think they are just as prepared as I was when I managed to score enough goals. They have to enjoy it because it goes very quickly – in one month it will be all over.”
Brazil have been drawn in Group A in Rio and open their campaign against South Africa in Brasilia on August 4 before meeting Iraq and Denmark.
The Olympic gold remains the lone title for which they are eligible that Brazil yet to win and, after the disappointment of a 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the final of London 2012, Brazil’s obsession with the quest for gold is more desperate than ever.
New Flamengo striker Leandro Damiao was the star of the London games, finishing top scorer with six goals, and, speaking exclusively to Brasil Global Tour, he says he is confident that with Neymar, Gabigol and Gabriel Jesus, Brazil have the firepower to finally secure the gold medal.
"It's a dream for the city,” Damiao says.
“It is very special, the Olympic Village, the people you meet, to go in search of the gold. I had that opportunity but, unfortunately, we did not win. But now we have another chance, at home.
"Brazil are under immense pressure to win, but I think we have great players. Brazil will always field great teams but unfortunately last time we lost the final to Mexico and had to settle for silver.
“I'm sure that we will win because we have great players. I will be cheering for them.”
Senior team captain Neymar will lead the charge after the Brazilian football confederation (CBF) agreed with Barcelona that the forward would sit out of last month’s Copa America in order to lead the Olympic team in Rio.
And joined by the two Gabriels in attack, Damiao is confident the Selecao have the firepower to lead them to glory in Rio.
"They are great strikers and I think they are just as prepared as I was when I managed to score enough goals. They have to enjoy it because it goes very quickly – in one month it will be all over.”
Brazil have been drawn in Group A in Rio and open their campaign against South Africa in Brasilia on August 4 before meeting Iraq and Denmark.