Neymar the hero as Brazil win football gold on penalties

Neymar scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out to beat Germany to gold. PICTURE: Getty Images

The five-time World Cup champions won the only championship thet were still missing, defeating Germany 5-4 in a penalty shootout and winning a football gold medal for the first time.

Neymar scored with a superb free kick in regulation and converted the decisive penalty in the shoot-out after Brazilian goalkeeper Weverton stopped Nils Petersen’s shot.

It was the crowning achievement of the 2016 Olympics for Brazil, restoring some of the nation’s footballing pride after a series of disappointing results. Neymar fell to the field sobbing after he was mobbed by his teammates as the crowd at iconic Maracana Stadium roared.

The victory avenges the embarrassing 7-1 home loss to Germany’s senior team in the World Cup semi-finals two years ago. Brazil were also coming off a demoralizing elimination in the group stage of this year’s Copa America.

Germany, playing with a young team that looked nothing like the World Cup-winning squad, made it hard for Brazil, hitting crossbar three times in the first half and sending the game into extra-time after a 59th minute equalizer by captain Maximilian Meyer.

Germany hadn’t played in the Olympic tournament since 1988, when Jurgen Klinsmann was on the team and they won the bronze. The senior team defeated Argentina in the World Cup final at the Maracana two years ago.

The men’s football tournament attracted most of the attention of Brazilian fans at the Olympics. The Brazilian football federation took the Olympic tournament as seriously as ever, bringing Neymar and many talented youngsters that are expected to be in the main squad in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Brazil had lost three Olympic finals, including four years ago in London, when they were upset by Mexico 2-1 with a team that also included Neymar and other talented players. Brazil have won the bronze two times.

Neymar, who skipped the Copa America to try to give the hosts the Olympic gold, avoided joining a long list stars who failed to win the gold for Brazil, including Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.