Brazil still on track for title

Brazil's march towards their first Olympic Games men's Football title continued at Old Trafford as a first-half Romuloeffort and Leandro Damiao's double sealed a 3-0 win against Republic of Korea and booked a final showdown with Mexico.

Brazil players celebrate their victory over Republic of Korea

Brazil players celebrate their victory over Republic of Korea after the final whistle during the Men's Football Semi Final match between Korea and Brazil, on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Old Trafford

Republic of Korea produced a hard-working performance and were unlucky not to be given at least one penalty.

But they lacked the creativity Brazil are capable of around the penalty area and once the South Americans got into their stride, there was no holding them back.

The result keeps the favourites on track for another major international honour with a squad it is envisaged will become the backbone of their 2014 World Cup campaign on home soil.

And having extended a remarkable record of scoring three times in all five matches so far, with Damiao top of the table with six, it is hard to see them being stopped at Wembley on Saturday.

With Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and FIFA president Sepp Blatter amongst the interested spectators, Brazil took quite a while to get going, by which time they could easily have been a goal, and a man down.

Alex Sandro turned away Kim Hyunsung's far-post header, Thiago Silva struck Ji Dongwon's effort to safety and the Korean striker also hit a long-range shot narrowly over.

It was the middle of those three chances that might have seen a red card in addition to a penalty as Juan Jesus appeared to kick Ji in the head with a high tackle.

But Brazil made the most of their reprieve, and Korea goalkeeper Lee Bumyoung twice failed to hold fierce strikes from Leandro Damiao before star duo Neymar and Oscar combined to set up Romulo, who struck a low shot through a weak attempt to save.

After the break, Damiao turned goalscorer - taking his opportunity after Marcelo had failed to turn home Neymar's pass.

Damiao had another soon afterwards, his fourth in two games, with Neymar again the architect, the ball breaking to the striker after Oscar's initial effort had been deflected.