Brazil captain Neymar scored the winning penalty as the hosts won their first ever Olympic football tournament. In the process, he succeeded where many of his illustrious predecessors, such as Romario and Ronaldo, had failed.
Brazil had never won Olympic gold in its previous 12 appearances at the games. This was a lucky 13 for home fans. This was also a re-match of the World Cup 2014 semi-final, where Germany thrashed the home team 7-1.
In front of a raucous home crowd, Brazil started the stronger of both teams in the search of an early goal. In the 26th minute, Neymar's beautiful free-kick gave the home team the lead, after which the Brazilians created chances through the excellence of the two Gabriels, Jesus and Barbosa.
Horst Hrubesch's Germany were more adventurous at the start of the second half as they looked to draw level with the hosts. That moment came when beautiful interplay by the midfield found Max Meyer within the box, and the German captain expertly diverted the ball into the corner to tie the game.
With the clock running out, the crowd starting jeering every touch that the Germans had on the ball. The match ended 1-1 in normal time and then in extra time.
Both sets of players scored four penalties initially to set up a tense finale. While Nils Petersen's effort was saved by the keeper Weverton, Neymar stepped up, shimmied, stopped, stuttered, before sending Timo Horn the wrong away and securing the win for Brazil.
Brazil 1 (Neymar) draw with Germany 1 (Maximilian Meyer), win 5-4 on penalties