Rio Olympics: Neymar powers Brazil to first football gold medal

Brazil looked up to Neymar to deliver their missing football piece and the Barcelona star did not disappoint as he led his teammates to win gold medal at the Rio Olympics men’s football event.

Before now, Brazil who are five-time world champions never had the pleasure of winning the Olympic football gold.

It was not surprising that the Brazilian football authorities in allowed Neymar to skip the Copa America so he could be part of the Olympics.

That decision has now paid off as Neymar scored a golden penalty that ensured Brazil claimed their first Olympic Football Tournament gold in the most dramatic of finals.

The final game had to be decided via a penalty shoot-out, following a normal and extra time 1-1 finish after 120 minutes.

At the end, it was the hosts who emerged champions; beating Germany 5-4 at the Maracana stadium late Saturday night.

Neymar had opened the scoring with a fantastic free kick before Max Meyer brought the Germans back on level terms in the second half.

With no more goals in extra time, the game went to penalties. Weverton saved Nils Peteresen’s spot-kick before Neymar scored the golden penalty.

It has been celebration all night as Brazil who have gotten to the final on three occasions – 1984, 1988 and at the London 2012 Games now have a gold medal in football.