Rio 2016: Brazil win football gold

 

Neymar netted the winning penalty as Olympic hosts Brazil beat Germany 5-4 on penalties to win their first men’s Olympic football gold medal in Rio.

The game finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Neymar’s free-kick cancelled out by Max Meyer’s low strike.

In the shootout, Germany’s Nils Petersen’s had his penalty saved by Weverton before Neymar calmly scored the final spot-kick.

For Brazil, it comes as some revenge following the events of two years ago when they hosted the World Cup. Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals in Belo Horizonte.

But in front of 78,000 at the Maracana, Brazil got their rewards as they finally won the Olympic title after losing in the finals in 1984, 1988 and 2012.

Barcelona forward Neymar, who missed the World Cup semi-final through injury, opened the scoring with a 25-yard free-kick.

But Germany, who hit the woodwork three times in the first half – through Julian Brandt’slong range effort, a deflection off a Brazilian defender and a Sven Bender header – found the equaliser after the restart.

Jeremy Toljan found the unmarked Meyer, who struck a low shot into the net tk deservedly bring the game level.

Neither side could find a winner before the drama of the penalty shootout gave Brazil the gold, whilst the Germans claim silver.

It was also a historic footballing tournament for Nigeria. Not only did they top their group, but after semi final defeat against Germany, they bounced back in the third placed play off, beating Honduras 3-2, to claim their first Olympic medal.