The central-defensive duo have been steered the Selecao to four consecutive clean sheets while Neymar and Co. struggled to find their rhythm.
After a hesitant start, Brazil has found its groove at the Olympics. The 4-0 rout of Denmark last week proved the turning point as the Selecao Olimpica cruised to the victory they needed to secure their place in the second round.
Rogerio Micale’s side kicked on days later, defeating Colombia 2-0 to book Wednesday’s semifinal with Honduras at the Maracana for what will be the seventh time Brazil has made the final four of the men’s Olympic football tournament.