Rio Olympic football: Neymar's penalty kick wins Brazil historic gold

Brazil , after three previous attempts, finally laid their hands on the Olympic football trophy, as they avenged their 2014 FIFA World Cup defeat against Germany 5-4 on penalties to win gold at the Maracana on Saturday.

Both sides had an uninspiring start to the Olympics, but hit form at the right time, by getting better match after match

However, it was Brazil, who in the end avenged the 7-1 defeat suffered in the hands of the Germany, as they won 5-4 on penalties, after the 120 minutes of play had ended 1-1.

It was a final with everything at stake as the two nation were bent on making history by adding the Olympic gold to their numerous titles.

The first half was an end to end action, as both teams enjoyed play

Brazil dominated possession, but Germany were clinical in the use of the ball.

Neymar opened the scoreline for Brazil in the first half, but Maer restored parity for Germany with two minutes into the hour mark to bring the Europeans back into the game.

Neymar brought the Maracana Sports Stadium to light when he scored a stunning free kick to put the hosts in the driving seat.

Before Germany swung series of passes together before skipper Maer smashed a pass to beat the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Brazil threw everything upfront in search of the match winner in the last 15 minutes, but Germany defenders, who were resolute cleared their lines to coil the attacking threats of Brazil.

Felippe Anderson should have prevented the game from entering into extra time, after Neymar had put him through, only to see the effort wasted

Neymar in the 77th minute dribbled past a player and blasted the ball, but it missed the post by some few inches.

Germany were presented with an opportunity to hit Brazil on the break. However,  Max Maer shot wide to give Brazil a big sigh of relief in the 85th minute.

The hosts continue their dominance in the first half, but missed several opportunities from the likes of Gabriel Jesus.

In the second half of extra time, Neymar released the ball to Felippe Anderson. The Germany goalkeeper Horn blocked his shot from close range.

The last time these sides met was in 1952 and Germany won 4-2 in Helsink.

Brazil lost the Olympic final in 1984, 1988 and 2012, but were lucky in 2016 on home and Germany a first time finalists finished runners up.