Thursday, March 28, 2024

Rio 2016: Pele delights in long-awaited Olympic triumph

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 21 Aug 2016

94 Views

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.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top