Neymar hero as Brazil claims soccer gold

Yet it was Brazil who eventually prevailed, talisman Neymar converting the winning kick from 12 yards after Nils Petersen’s effort had been saved by Weverton. Neymar then stepped up to coolly fire home the title victor and send the capacity crowd wild.

The Brazilian No 10, who missed the 7-1 World Cup humiliation at the hands of Germany in Belo Horizonte two years ago, scored a stunning free-kick in normal time before dispatching the winning penalty in front of more than 80,000 fans.

Barcelona star Neymar said he will step down as Brazil captain after leading the Olympic Games’ hosts to their first ever football gold medal.

Some were already asking whether Neymar’s name should be added to the list of Brazil’s greats, joining the Pele, Zico and “the phenomenon” Ronaldo.

Both teams kept their own until the referee’s final whistle after 120 minutes, as there was no other goal in the extra time.

“This is one of the best things that have happened in my life”.

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 was given the captain’s armband in 2014 after the FIFA World Cup by the then Brazil manager Dunga.

However, Schalke playmaker Max Meyer equalized and when the game finished 1-1 after extra-time, the home crowd were a bag of nerves as penalty kicks were called for. I don’t want to be the captain.

“It was a noble gesture on Neymar’s part to leave it up to Tite”, said Micale.

The Young Selecaos beat Germany 6-5 in tie-breaker of a pulsating final of the Olympics, ending the five-time world champions’ long wait for that one elusive title.

Second-half substitute Felipe Anderson almost ended the impasse for Brazil just after the extra-time interval when he was played in by Neymar and forced a smart save from Horn.

The women’s soccer tournament at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics had a little bit of everything – and Hope Solo. In contrast to that contest, this game would be a nailbiter, decided on penalty kicks.

Kevin Durant scored 30 points and helped the Americans rout Serbia 96-66 for their third straight gold medal.

Brazil had been battered by recession, political scandal, health scares over polluted water and the Zika virus and questions over whether it could pull off hosting the Olympics.

The United States collected three other bronze medals on Saturday: Jackie Galloway in the women’s heavyweight taekwondo tournament, J’Den Cox in freestyle wrestling’s 86-kilogram division, and the women’s volleyball team, which defeated the Netherlands 3-1 (25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-19).