The no.2 ranked Germans scored two goals in the second half, and although the Swedes got a goal back they could not snatch an equaliser that would have taken the game into extra-time.
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The first eight penalties in the shootout were all successful before Brazil goalkeeper Weverton stopped Nils Petersen’s effort to set the stage for Neymar.
Neymar was the hero as Brazil won a first-ever Olympic football gold after a dramatic penalty shootout. On their fifth and final kick, Neymar nailed it easily, sealing the gold for Brazil in soccer for the first time in Olympic history.
“He knows that, the team knows that, but I repeat it was a noble gesture on Neymar’s part to let Tite decide who will be the captain”. Only a 4-0 win over Denmark sealed progression into the knockout rounds, but then Colombia (2-0) and Honduras (6-0) fell.
Although the “Selecao” has been competitive in every tournament since, the team was humiliated by a 7-1 loss to Germany in the semifinals at the last World Cup, which was also hosted by Brazil.
“I can’t begin to describe them [my feelings]”, he said. “This is one of the happiest things that have happened to me”.
“Now my critics will have to shut up”.
Brazil immediately went on the attack again as Renato Augusto, who missed two chances in front of goal in the first half, fired wide once again.
After the game, Neymar announced that he didn’t want to be the team’s captain anymore, saying it was an honor but the coach could pick someone else going forward.
A unified Germany is the now the only country to have won the World Cup but have not won the Olympic gold medal. “We responded as necessary and we did this in the short time that was available to us”.
Although the Olympic tournament features under-23 teams, Brazil believe their win can signal a new beginning for the country’s football which has been bedevilled by chaotic administration at home and poor results at senior level.
Neymar was also roundly criticised for his underwhelming displays in Brazil’s opening 0-0 draws against South Africa and Iraq.
The entire nation came to a standstill as people gathered to watch the game, erupting in cheers as Neymar clinched the gold.
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Despite travel issues that saw the Nigeria men arrive in Brazil just hours before their first match, the team managed to win bronze with a victory over Honduras.
