NEYMAR DELIVERED Brazil’s first Olympic men’s football gold medal last night with the winning penalty in a 5-4 shoot-out victory over Germany after the sides had drawn 1-1 after extra-time in a thrilling game at the Maracana Stadium.
Captain Neymar had put Brazil ahead with a superb free kick after 27 minutes, but Germany captain Maximilian Meyer equalised after an hour to take the game into the extra period.
In the shoot-out, the first nine penalties were converted before Germany’s Nils Petersen had his penalty saved by Weverton. Neymar calmly scored the final spot-kick to give Brazil the gold medal.
Germany humiliated Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup and the Brazilians gained a measure of revenge to win the Olympic gold medal.
Here, Neymar (right) celebrating after scoring the winning penalty. (Reuters Picture)