Brazil takes the Olympic honour
With highest five times World Champions Brazil capturing the gold in Olympic Football for the first time in their history, football has survived. Yet the soccer mad Brazilians are unable to erase ‘Sete an Um’ referred to the hosts 1-7 drubbing by Germany in the World Cup semifinal two years go.
The words ‘Sete an Um’ are also referred when the country’s economy gives nose dive.
Neymar shed tears of joy after delivering Brazil’s first men’s soccer gold medal with the winning penalty in a 5-4 shootout triumph over Germany after a thrilling final ended in a draw following extra-time on Saturday.
Brazil had lost the Olympic final three times – in 1984, 1988 and 2012 – but they finally got the gold they craved on a dramatic night at the Maracana stadium in which they outplayed the Germans, but were saved three times by the woodwork.
Neymar had put the hosts ahead with a superb free kick after 27 minutes, but Germany captain Maximilian Meyer equalized just before the hour to take the game into the extra period at 1-1.
There were no more goals so the match went to penalties with Nils Petersen missing Germany’s fifth spot kick leaving Neymar, who appeared to injure himself late in the game, to limp up and coolly scored from the spot to send the capacity crowd wild.
The status of the Olympic soccer is fourth in the world after the World Cup, the Euro and the Copa America. Brazil’s comeback winning the gold medal has surely elevated its rank and file considering popularity.
Four times World Champions Germany have also never won gold in Olympic Football, which they will strive hard four years later in Tokyo.
We congratulate Brazil, we cheer Germany and every participating team.
Khurshida Haque
Rajshahi
