If Mexico's Olympic football team are to successfully defend the gold medal they won at London 2012, they are going to have to do it the hard way. ‘El Tri’ will kick off their defence at the Rio 2016 Games against world champions Germany and would probably face the hosts in the semi-finals or final.

But recent history suggests the Mexicans need not fear Brazil. They defeated the South Americans 2-1 in the London 2012 final at Wembley, leaving Brazil with three silvers, two bronzes but still no golds.

The Olympic title remains the only major honour that the five-time world champions have never won and Barcelona star Neymar is determined to lead Brazil to glory in August. 

However, Mexico coach Raúl Gutiérrez says that he is not overly concerned by the prospect of the home side trying to break their hoodoo.

“Every team is difficult. We are ready to defend our gold medal. We have the quality and we are working hard,” Gutiérrez told rio2016.com. “I believe that the current generation of footballers has grown with their successes. We will continue with the same passion as before.”

Brazil’s Oscar looks on as Mexico celebrate winning the London 2012 final (Photo: Getty Images/Jeff J Mitchell)

Mexico's defence will get underway on 4 August in Salvador against Germany, one day before the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games at the Maracanã Stadium. The team's next opposition in Group C will be Fiji on 7 August, also in Salvador, before travelling to capital Brasília to face Republic of Korea, bronze medallists at London 2012, on 10 August.

See the groups and match schedule for the Rio 2016 football tournament

The German side that Mexico will face is likely to contain none of the names that steered the country to World Cup glory in Brazil two years ago. German manager Horst Hrubesch told rio2016.com he would be taking no over-23 players to the Games. The Olympic football competition is open to under-23 national teams to participate, with up to three 'over-age' players.

Germany last participated in an Olympic football competition at Seoul 1988, when a West German team including Jurgen Klinsmann won the bronze medal.

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Gutierrez and his players celebrate qualification for Rio 2016 (Photo: Getty Images/Gene Sweeney Jr)

Gutiérrez, who played for Mexican clubs Atlante, América and León, will not be able to call up 27-year old former Manchester United striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, now at Bayern Leverkusen. The forward had reportedly told the manager that he wants to play in Rio, but has since ruled himself out.

After reaching Rio 2016 by winning the qualifying tournament in the USA last October, Mexico star Carlos Salcedo said they were confident of defending their title, thanks largely to the confidence instilled in them by Gutiérrez. They went through the qualifying tournament unbeaten and talented young midfielder Hirving Lozano won the Golden Ball for best player.

Gutiérrez shares a joke with his players at the 2011 under-17 World Cup (Photo: Getty Images/Hector Vivas/LatinContent)

Brazil is in Group A along side South Africa, Iraq and Denmark. Group B consists of Sweden, Colombia, Nigeria and Japan. Group D comprises Honduras, Algeria, Portugal and double Olympic champions Argentina.

Matches will take place in the Maracanã and in the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro and in five other cities across Brazil: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Manaus, Salvador and São Paulo.

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