Brazil net first men's soccer gold after beating Germany

Brazil's Neymar kisses the ball before taking the penalty kick in the shootout for the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, on Aug 20, 2016. Brazil beat Germany 5 : 4 in the shootout. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn]

The close call seemed to spring the hosts into action.

Luan's shot after a Douglas Santos cross was cleared off the line and Renato Augusto volleyed wide from a corner.

Neymar then sent the Maracana into a frenzy when his curling free-kick rebounded in off the under side of the bar. It was a goal of the highest quality and prompted wild celebrations in the stands.

Brandt continued to pose a threat for Germany, particularly from set pieces. He almost engineered an equalizer when his sumptuous free-kick was headed just over the bar by Bender.

The visitors continued to press and finally broke through just before the hour after opening up Brazil's defence with some slick passing.

Jeremy Toljan found space on the right and whipped a cross into Meyer, whose first time effort flew beyond the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Weverton.

Urged on by their fans, Brazil attacked in waves in their attempt to break the deadlock.

Renato blasted just wide from distance and new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus also narrowly missed with a close-range volley.

Neymar almost lifted the roof off the stadium when he jinked past an opponent and lobbed a shot wide of the post.

Luan had a golden chance to score the winner in the sixth minute of extra time but dithered in the area and failed to get a clear shot away. Brandt then volleyed over for Germany as play pinballed from end to end.

Second-half substitute Felipe Anderson nearly ended the impasse for Brazil just after the extra-time interval when he was played in by Neymar and forced a smart save from Horn. But Germany defended resolutely to force the match into a penalty shootout.