Only gold will do for Brazil in men's soccer

By Tales Azzoni

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, July 10 2012 10:20 a.m. MDT

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Former soccer player Romario attends a news conference to announce the name of players who will represent Brazil in the London 2012 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, July 5, 2012.

Felipe Dana, Associated Press

Summary

More than ever, it will be all or nothing for Brazil's soccer team at the London Olympics.

SAO PAULO — More than ever, it will be all or nothing for Brazil's soccer team at the London Olympics.

Brazil has always been under pressure to win the gold medal, the only significant title it doesn't have in soccer, but in London there will be a lot more at stake for the five-time world champions.

Brazil will be one of the few teams with most of its top players, and failure in London will likely cost coach Mano Menezes his job ahead of the 2014 World Cup — which Brazil will host.

There will be high expectations from everyone in the soccer-mad nation, including fans, local media and soccer officials.

The Brazilian federation has already said winning gold is the priority this year and hinted that a disappointing result will inevitably prompt changes as Brazil enters the final stretch of its preparations for hosting the World Cup.

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