Neymar: We'll learn from defeat

The unheralded Mexicans caused a major surprise by beating Brazil to record their first major international honour.

Brazil, which fielded several players who are expected to be in its squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, also failed in yet another attempt to win the only trophy it has never won.

It was Brazil’s third loss in the final of the competition at the Games, having also suffered reverses in the deciders at Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988.

The seeds for this latest disappointment were sown by carelessness in the early seconds, with fullback Rafael’s slack pass starting the chain of events that led to the quick-fire opener from Oribe Peralta, who also scored Mexico's second goal in the second half before Hulk reduced the arrears in injury-time.

“Everyone who plays football knows that finals are decided by small details, and that’s what happened today,” said Neymar, one of the most visibly dejected members of the 'Canarinho' squad during the medal presentation.

“Losing like that is very tough to take, but at least we can draw on the experience of playing at an Olympics and learn from this final, even in defeat.

“There’s no point dwelling on what went wrong. It’s already in the past. Life goes on.”

Two-goal hero Peralta paid tribute to the team spirit that played a key role in Mexico's win.

“It was our dream to win the gold medal,” said the man of the hour.

“My two goals were the result of great work from my teammates.

'I’m not out there by myself. If it was tennis it’d all depend on me, but in football everyone plays their part.”