Dani Alves-led Brazil to take on Spain in final football clash

TOKYO: For a 38-year-old coming to the end of his career, the appeal of playing in empty stadiums in Japan’s summer heat as an over-aged player in an Under-23 tournament is not an obvious one.

But those puzzled at why Dani Alves, who has had a career filled with trophies and titles, would want to feature in the eternally unappreciated Olympic football tournament will have found their answer in his performances during these Games.

On Saturday, the former Barcelona defender will find himself 90 minutes away from becoming captain of a gold medal winning team when his side face Spain in the final in Yokohama.

“It means a feeling of achieving a dream, every high performance athlete wants to be here,” Alves said before the tournament when some questioned his decision to take part.

Another over-age player, Everton forward Richarlison, has made a major impact in Japan with five goals, including a hattrick in their opening win over Germany.

Spain represent a tough opposition, however.

Their squad features six players who were part of the Euro 2020 squad, which reached the last four. Unai Simon, Eric García, Pau Torres, Pedri González, Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo have all had a marathon summer and will not want to end it with silver medals.

Spain fought past Japan in the semi-final thanks to a goal late in extra-time from Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio. The country last won the Olympic gold at Barcelona 1992 and silver at Sydney 2000, losing on penalties to Cameroon in the final. Defending champions Brazil won the 2016 final against Germany on penalties, and are attempting to join Britain, Uruguay, Hungary and Argentina by defending their Olympic crown.