ago.23.2008

Brazil took out their frustration at missing the Olympic final by beating Belgium 3-0 to take the bronze medal.

Manchester City striker Jo scored twice after Diego netted the the opener as Brazil bounced back from their 3-0 semi-final loss to Argentina.

Diego converted Rafinha's cross into the net on 27 minutes, before Jo headed the second before half-time.

Jo then nutmegged Belgium goalkeeper Logan Bailly in injury-time to complete the scoring.

Brazil have won two silver medals in 1984, 1988 and another bronze at Atlanta in 1996, but again the one prize they are yet to claim, an Olympic gold medal, has eluded the five-times World Cup winners.

Brazil captain Ronaldinho said: "The bronze medal may not be important from a Brazilian's point of view but in the future we will be proud.

"We deserve respect as a group of players because we took some criticism after the defeat to Argentina.

"Everyone came to China for a medal and we got one. It's not what we were expecting at the beginning but it's one of the most important awards."

Ronaldinho created numerous opportunities through the first half, starting with a header that just sailed over the bar in the opening minutes.

Belgium were able to absorb the pressure for the first quarter of the game, assisted by a lack of precision when it counted by Brazil, before Diego found the net to open the scoring.

Belgium fought to level the score and chances in quick succession by Maarten Martens and Thomas Vermaelen went dangerously close before Brazil came back through Jo.