Defending champions Brazil reach men’s soccer final after close win over Mexico

(CNN) – Defending champions Brazil reached the men’s Olympic soccer final after a close victory over Mexico in the first semi-final on Tuesday.

In a rematch of the gold medal final in London 2012, Brazil won 4-1 on penalties after 120 minutes without goals.

Brazilian goalkeeper Santos saved Mexico’s Eduardo Aguirre before Johan Vásquez hit the post.

Daniel Alves, Gabriel Martinelli and Bruno Guimaraes scored for Brazil with Reinier converting the decisive penalty.

Brazil will face the winners of Tuesday’s second men’s semifinal between hosts Japan and Spain.

Japan has never reached a men’s Olympic soccer final, while Spain was the last European men’s team to win gold in 1992.