Brazil s greatest footballer, Pele, described the country s historic first Olympic men s football triumph as the perfect ending to the Rio Games.
Pele played an integral role in three of Brazil s five World Cup triumphs, but the nation had never tasted Olympic glory prior to Saturday s meeting with Germany at the Maracana.
After Neymar s free-kick had been cancelled out by Max Meyer, a penalty shootout was required to separate the men s finalists.
Yet it was Brazil who eventually prevailed, talisman Neymar converting the winning kick from 12 yards after Nils Petersen s effort had been saved by Weverton.
Success for the home nation prompted a huge outpouring of joy at the Maracana, with Neymar part of the team that lost the 2012 Olympic final to Mexico in tears after sealing gold.
Pele duly tweeted: I have so many memories from Maracana, and today a new one was created. What a perfect ending to the Olympic Games.
Brazil showed excellence both on and off the field.
I have so many memories from Maracanã, and today a new one was created. What a perfect ending to the Olympic games.
— Pelé (@Pele)
Brazil showed excellence both on and off the field.
— Pelé (@Pele)
