The stadium was the site of the country’s World Cup victory in 2014, a few days after the German senior team embarrassed Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals.
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In between Neymar’s goals Manchester City fans will have enjoyed Gabriel Jesus scoreing twice.
Nigeria won gold at the 1996 Olympics with a 3-2 victory over Argentina, then won silver in 2008, falling 1-0 to Argentina in the final.
Looking at the medal tally, United States of America is in first place with 28 gold, 30 silver and 28 bronze, Great Britain is in second place with 19 gold, 19 silver and 12 bronze while China remain at third 17 gold 15 silver and 19 bronze. The South American powerhouse has lost three Olympic finals, including at London 2012.
If we play like we’ve did today, keep our focus and our fans come out to support us, I believe we can face any challenge and achieve that gold medal and make history for Brazil.
The semifinal had barely kicked off when Barcelona forward Neymar intercepted the ball, charged toward the Honduran side, tripped over the goalie and landed the ball into the net, sending the Maracana Stadium into a frenzy of cheers. “Of course Brazil played well, took advantage and scored the goals”.
Rollins lead the USA sweep of the 100-meter hurdles at the Rio Games on Wednesday night, winning with 12.48 seconds.
Yet, the symbolism of winning a final at the Maracana against the side that denied them that right two years ago will go a long way to healing the wounded pride of Brazilian football.
This is, of course, an overwrought way of building up a game in the Olympic football tournament, a glorified Under-23 competition that has little credibility now that clubs are not obliged to release players to take part. Janine Beckie took only 20 seconds to score for Canada against Australia in the women’s tournament in Rio.
Brazil continued to dominate after the Paris Saint-Germain defender’s strike and Luan eventually got a deserved goal in the 79th minute, before Neymar converted a penalty in the dying minutes to double his personal tally as Micale’s men booked a ticket to the final in style.
Neymar set up Gabriel Jesus’ second goal with a ideal through ball behind a defender. “I am happy that we have qualified for the final”, said Jesus after the match. “It was important to win like this, playing well and with a lot of goals”.
Honduras coach Jorge Luis Pinto believes Neymar’s star billing offered him too much protection.
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But Neymar and the rest of the squad picked up the pace just in time, beating Denmark 4-0 in the final group match and eliminating Colombia 2-0 in the quarterfinals. Icho also is the first woman to win an individual gold medal in four straight Olympics, having started her historic run at the inaugural women’s tournament in Athens in 2004. Brazil may have started the tournament slowly, but they cruised past Honduras Six-nil, in the semis, Sealing their spot in the final.
