They were nervy moments but Neymar’s attempted rainbow flick showed the hosts’ belief – a mentality put under pressure 15 minutes into the second half.
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Meyer nearly responded immediately for Germany, first inadvertently with a free-kick of his own that was deflected amongst a crowd of players in the box before finding its way onto the Brazil crossbar once again, and then with a volley from the resulting corner, which was well saved by goalkeeper Weverton down to his right.
Brazil were runners-up in the last two Games, but struck gold on home soil as Italy were beaten 25-22 28-26 26-24 in front of a boisterous crowd, including Neymar, at the Maracanazinho.
Host Brazil finally captured its first ever Olympic gold medal in football, the sport they love most. “That’s it”, Neymar said.
Manchester City new boy Gabriel Jesus came close to nearly immediately putting Brazil back into the lead, before Luan took a tumble looking for a penalty and Neymar superbly cut inside to strike just wide.
After eight flawless kicks, Nils Petersen had the misfortune of seeing his shot saved by Weverton.
Olympic gold should give the Brazilian national team the confidence, the belief and the swagger to once again become a highly respected and feared football country with a style of football to match.
Jubilant celebrations broke out around Rio, reminiscent of parties following the five World Cup championships won by this soccer-mad nation.
“This is one of the best things that have happened in my life”.
Weverton was cast alongside Neymar in the role of hero with his penalty save, but the goalkeeper was quick to praise the contribution of a higher power.
“I can’t begin to describe what I feel. It wasn’t easy. I don’t know what else to say, I’m just really happy”.
In the final, Neymar not only clinched the win in penalty kicks but scored the team’s lone goal in regulation.
“I’ve already talked to my family and from now on I don’t want to be captain of the Brazilian team”, he said after the game.
“This restores our self-esteem”, Brazil coach Rogerio Micale said. The Brazilian football federation took the Olympic tournament as seriously as ever, bringing Neymar and many talented youngsters that are expected to be in the main squad in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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There was no way back for Italy and there were jubilant scenes after Brazil sealed a seventh gold of the Games.
