What a way to go out. The two-time Federation Internationale de Football Association coach of the year had long planned to step down following the Rio Games. “We are focused only on playing well and winning this gold medal”. “I think the natural step for him now is to win a World Cup and he is going to fight for it, he has the attributes”, he said.
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Germany failed to qualify for the Olympics in 2012 but won the bronze the last three times they played, in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
Two years of football pain and humiliation, vindicated for the host nation Brazil.
Renato Augusto tried his luck from a distance as Brazil attempted to hit straight back, and Neymar upped the tempo with a shot that flew just wide with the end of the 90 minutes approaching.
Brazil has finished with the silver medal three times and the bronze twice. That game, remember, was also in Brazil and considered a national embarrassment. It was also the Olympics’ first all-European final. They played likewise as the match was tied 1-1 at the end of full time.
But the chance for a gold medal was an opportunity to offer at least some redemption for Brazil in another major event on home soil. Germany looked threatening on the break as well, but neither team could score to avoid extra time. “I am sure the final with Germany will be a great match but it has nothing to do with the past”. He took his time, executed his trademark run-up, and slotted his penalty into the top-right corner. Neymar, who has been exceptionally well as a captain and forward for Brazil, replicated his performance, scoring the opener. But the Swedes narrowed it in the 67th on Stina Blackstenius’ sliding goal in front of Scuhlt.
Sweden’s coach Pia Sundhage, who led the USA team to gold medals in Beijing and London, replied by stating: “It’s OK to be a coward if you win”.
“It’s different to play against the USA and Brazil – and Germany – you have to look at the differences”, Sundhage said.
Neid announced previous year that she would step down following the Rio de Janeiro Games, making way for current assistant Steffi Jones to take over as coach. “I would like to hand over a good team to Steffi Jones”. “We have replied with good football”.
Canadian captain Christine Sinclair scored in the victory for her 165th career goal in her 250th appearance for the national team. Or will the Little Canaries finally be able to give the host nation and its fans the glory that was denied them at the World Cup? They had won gold in all but one Olympics since the women’s game joined the event in 1996.
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The Germany-Brazil soccer featured almost entirely different rosters from the 2014 World Cup that marked a low point for Brazilian sports.
