Manchester United defender Rafael has been criticised by the Brazilian Football Federation after his error led to the opening goal in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Mexico in the final of the Olympics.

The 21-year-old, who started all of Brazil's matches at the Games, presented possession to Oribe Peralta inside 30 seconds as Mexico took the lead.

"Rafael knows he made a mistake that led to the first Mexican goal in the Olympic football final in the London 2012 Games," read the Brazil Football Confederation's website.

"There's no denying it. Nevertheless, with his skill and determination, the young No.2 can't be tainted by the error. Mistakes are for correcting. Rafael knows that.

"Later, when things have calmed down, he will surely look at the move and learn from it. At the end of the day, as the saying goes, to err is human and we learn from our mistakes."

Brazil settled for silver, while South Korea claimed the bronze.