Dos Santos: I showed what I'm capable of

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To use a footballing clich?, Giovani dos Santos looked over the moon after Mexico's 2-0 win over Gabon in their second Group B match in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

It had been a while since the diminutive yet incredibly gifted forward had looked so happy, but he had every reason to smile on Sunday after his brace of goals secured his team's first win of the competition and gave them every chance of qualifying for the next round. And all that after only coming on as a second-half substitute.

"It is such a good feeling to be able to help the team today," the affable 23-year-old told FIFA.com exclusively after the game, but this was only half the story. The match was something of a release for Dos Santos, who has had to bide his time before getting a chance to showcase his immense talent on the big stage. It was certainly worth the wait for the Mexican, who looks to have hit top form at the right time. "I think I showed what I'm capable of," he said, "and this is certainly the best way to go about getting a place in the starting XI."

It was incredibly important but now that we're on a roll, I think that we can definitely go on to win a medal.

Giovani dos Santos on Mexico's win

Dos Santos undoubtedly showed how important he can be for his country against Gabon in Coventry, with El Tri looking a much more fluid team once he had come on up front. He was permanently looking for the ball, and whenever he got it, there was danger in the air.

"Having Dos Santos on the bench is such a luxury," said coach Luis Fernando, "and he showed that has really improved in footballing terms. He's fitted in nicely and has always played well whenever he's come on. If he carries on like this, he'll get his opportunity. He needs to get into a rhythm if he's to keep on improving."

After spending a frustrating period waiting for his big chance at Tottenham Hotspur, Dos Santos is eager for more and is desperate to help Mexico finish on the podium of an Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in their history.

"This win gives us so much confidence," he told FIFA.com. "It was incredibly important but now that we're on a roll, I think that we can definitely go on to win a medal." Opposition defenders take note - Dos Santos is on a mission.

Source: http://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/news/newsid=1672260/index.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

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