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Rio Olympics 2016: Neymar the hero as Brazil claims football gold

Neymar celebrates Brazil's first Olympic gold.

Neymar celebrates Brazil's first Olympic gold. Photo: Getty

A fast and furious gold medal clash in men’s football has ended with superstar Neymar striking the winning penalty to guide Brazil to Olympic Games victory over Germany.

For the Brazilians, the 5-4 penalty shootout was revenge for a 7-1 pummelling at the 2014 World Cup.

It was also Brazil’s first ever football gold medal.

Germany had started the match with verve _ the home crowd sensing dread as winger Julian Brandt curled a shot past the keeper, but wide of the woodwork.

The home crowd leapt to its feet, however, when Neymar struck from 25 yards out, with the ball resting in the bottom corner after kissing the underside of the bar.

Neymar, 24, had been much criticised for his lacklustre displays in two 0-0 draws to start the tournament, but a transformation saw him go from the nation’s whipping boy to golden boy.

Brazil dominated the first 45 minutes and had every reason to feel confident with its 1-0 lead at the break.

Germany was to strike back, drawing level when midfielder Max Meyer made a scintillating run and guided the ball into the corner.

With 20 minutes remaining the teams were locked at 1-1.

Germany faced wave after wave of Brazilian attack, with the likes of Neymar and Felipe Anderson putting huge pressure on the German defence.

Germany, under siege, did well to hold on for extra time.

Brazil and Germany final

Brazil was chasing its first gold medal in football. Photo: Getty

Germany was outplayed through the match.

“Repeating the scenario of 2014 is pushing the team forwards,” Brandt said before thge game.

“The pressure is not really on us, the pressure is more on the home team.”

As it turned out, Germany cracked when the Olympics pressure was on.

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