It can be a matter for debate.

Mexico beat Brazil 2-1 Saturday in the Gold medal match of the 2012 London Olympic Games at Wembley Stadium.

Oribe Peralta scored 29 seconds into the match and again in the 75th minute to give Mexico its first medal of any kind in Olympic soccer and it gave the soccer crazy nation what is arguably its greatest futbol accomplishment.

You can say Mexico's best finish in its history could be its 2011 FIFA Under-17 world title. But winning gold in the Olympics could have a bit more meaning.

The debate could go on. But for Mexico, winning a medal is enough.

Coach Luis Fernando Tena's squad beat a heavy favorite Brazil, who is yet to win Gold in the Olympics. The five-time World Cup champion, with all 11 of its 18 players from European clubs, could not contain an organized and fluid style of soccer the Mexican used throughout the tournament.

Mexico, with all but one man playing for Mexican clubs, took the early lead on a right-footed shot by Peralta. Mexico capitalized on a defensive error by Brazil. Peralta sent his shot zooming past a diving Brazil goalkeeper, Gabriel.

Mexico 1, Brazil 0.

It was one of the fastest goals in international soccer history. FIFA, soccer's governing body, Tweeted during the match that Peralta's goal was the second fastest of all time.

"Bryan Robson scored in 27 seconds during 1982 World Cup," the Tweet said.

Robson played for England in that World Cup.

Mexico's win against Brazil didn't come in a World Cup but for Mexico, it could be of the same importance.

After all, Mexico has been preparing its Olympic team for more than a year under Tena. It finishes the London games unbeaten allowing one goal, a first half score against Japan in the semifinals. Mexico recovered and clinched a slot in Saturday's final with a 3-1 win.

Mexico played without forward Giovani dos Santos, who sat out with a hamstring injury. Dos Santos plays for English club Tottenham Hotspur. But it didn't matter. El Tri had Peralta, the man who made it on Tena's roster after Manchester United's Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez was not allowed by his club to play in the Olympics.

Peralta finished the tournament as Mexico's top scorer with four goals, including the game winner and Peralta's second of the match in via a header against Brazil.

The South Americans pressured in the dying moments of the game. Striker Hulk scored for Brazil with a right-footed cross from right to left, beating Mexican defender Jose de Jesus Corona.

Brazil's surge came too late.

Mexico had cemented its style. It had set the tone for a Gold medal win.

The Gold medal finish is another item to add to El Tri's resume within the last year.

E Tri won the Under-17 World Cup. It placed third in the Under-20 World Cup. It won the Panamerican Games last summer. It is the Toulon Champion. It is also the Milk Cup champion. And now, Mexico is Olympic champion.

It is arguably the best generation in Mexican soccer.

The debate could continue.

ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com