For the first time in their Olympic history, Brazil captured an elusive title on the men’s side of the soccer tournament.
It was only fitting that their captain and the country’s savior provided the winner.
Both sides struggled to find a winner in extra time, which left penalty kicks as the difference between the two teams. Neymar sealed the game for Brazil, winning the match 1-1 (5-4 on penalty kicks) over the Germans.
With tears already running down his face as he ran up to the final attempt in the shootout, Neymar temporarily halted his emotions and blasted home the winner in the fifth round to give the Selecao the victory.
Max Mayer gave the Germans life after the halftime whistle, when he slotted a Jeremy Toljan cross into the bottom left corner.
All seemed quiet from the Brazilians during the early portion of the first half, but Neymar quickly changed the narrative for the hosts after blasting home a free kick just before the hour mark.
The Barcelona playmaker stepped up to the ball in the 27th minute, before powering the set piece beyond goalkeeper Timo Horn.
Neymar’s corner kick four minutes earlier nearly caused a major scare for Germany when the Brazilian’s set piece connected with Renato Augusto. The 28-year-old’s shot trickled just wide of goal though, keeping the scoreline level at 0-0.
The Germans nearly took the lead after just 11 minutes when Julian Brandt’s effort struck woodwork following a pass from Arsenal playmaker Serge Gnarby.