Manchester United defender Rafael aiming to make history

Manchester United full-back Rafael da Silva is aiming to make history by clinching Brazil's first ever men's football gold medal at the Olympic Games.

The 22-year-old defender is hoping that his country can claim gold for the first time, having won silver medals in 1984 and 1988 and bronze in 1996 and 2008.

The five-time world champions will be looking to make history when they take on Mexico in the Wembley final this Saturday.

Rafael told PA Sport. "It's a massive game. We've never won this title so we'll be doing everything we can to win it for Brazil.

"This is an important tournament for us, we have secured a medal, now we need to work hard to beat Mexico.

"It would be amazing. Everyone back home is supporting us to try and get this medal.

"There is always a lot of pressure playing for Brazil and we have never won this medal. It is the only one we have never had, so we'll do everything we can to win."

The Seleção have reached two Olympic finals to date; 1984 in the United States, where they lost 2-0 to France and four years later they were beaten by the Soviet Union 2-1 in South Korea.

Rafael described his Olympics experience so far as “amazing” and the United player believes victory in the final could help boost his own career - especially with the 2014 World Cup coming to the planet's most successful footballing nation.

"Maybe the Brazil coach will think about me for the 2014 World Cup," he added.

"Also, maybe the people in England will think about me differently if we win the tournament. It is always good to win medals. This tournament is good for my career."