It was a golden sendoff for Silvia Neid at Brazil’s Maracana stadium as her Germany side beat Sweden 2-1 to claim gold in the women’s football final at Rio 2016.
Sweden had recorded victories over the USA and Brazil en route to the final, but two goals in the opening 17 minutes for Germany proved too much for Pia Sundhage’s charges.
After leading the United States to Olympic glory in 2008 and 2012, it wasn’t going to be a third straight gold for Sundhage with the country of her birth.
Dzsenifer Marozsan broke the deadlock in style two minutes after the restart with a curling strike into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.
It opened up the game that was hitherto devoid of clear-cut chances, and the Germans looked set coast to a comfortable win when a Marozsan free-kick struck the post after 62 minutes and Linda Sembrant inadvertently bundled the loose ball into her own net.
Sweden responded almost immediately through Stina Blackstenius, who converted a first-time ball from the right to set up a thrilling finale.
Germany could make it double football gold when their men’s team take on hosts Brazil in Saturday’s final.
Earlier, Canada inflicted a second heartbreaking defeat to Brazil’s female footballers after winning the third place match 2-1 to ensure the hosts miss out on the podium altogether.
Goals either side of half-time from Deanne Rose and veteran captain Christine Sinclair silenced a passionate crowd and saw Canada defend the bronze medal they won in London four years ago.
Beatriz set up a grandstand finish when she spun inside the area to fire home left-footed, but despite late pressure, Canada held on for the win.
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