Both sides had many oppurtunities to score, but neither took advantage and sent the game into overtime.
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So far Neymar had been the most active in the Brazilian team against a Germany with a strong defense – electrical, skilled and dynamic.
Neymar finally succeeded where the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho had failed when he coolly slotted into the top corner to edge a penalty shootout 5-4 against Germany at a packed Maracana on Saturday after a 1-1 draw.
Neymar was honoured to lead the Olympic hosts to gold medal glory against a talented German side.
The victory immediately went some way to repairing the damage done two years before against the same opposition – the night of their 7-1 World Cup semi-final humiliation.
Germany followed its goal with more firm footwork and Brazil, insecure and nervous, knew that if it put more rhythm in counter-attacks, the skill and speed of Neymar and his team could surprise the German defense.
Neymar added: “This is one of the best things that has happened in my life”.
Neymar, who on Saturday scored the penalty kick that sealed Brazil’s win against Germany, showed off his gold hair and Olympic tattoo on Sunday, Efe news reported.
Poster boy Neymar got Brazil off to an exceptional start, with the star turn lighting up the final with an delightful 25-yard free-kick.
“Now we need to look toward the future”, said Rogerio Micale, the coach of Brazil’s Olympic team.
Instead, Nils Petersen’s saved penalty allowed Neymar to end the five-time World Cup winners’ long quest for men’s football gold, bringing relief to a country whose complexities and problems have been reflected at times by their Olympics.
Robert Bauer has won gold for the worst loser of the Rio Olympics.
While there is speculation the 30-year old Marta may retire she made her worldwide debut at 16 she told reporters she hadn’t made a decision just yet.
With his penalty kick in the Olympic final, Neymar helped ease some of that lingering bitterness. Gwen Jorgensen changed that – she ran 6.2 miles, swam a mile in the ocean and cycled 24 miles in 1 hour, 56 minutes, 16 seconds.
The Brazil legend, who declined a request to participate in the Rio 2016 opening ceremony due to ill health, also praised the organisers for a successful Games.
“I can’t believe to describe my feelings”.
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Prosecutors in both Spain and Brazil have gone after him and his father on charges of tax fraud.
