By Jose Antonio Pascual, EFE

Brazil ended the curse of the Olympic Games, avenged Germany and avoided a Maracanazo ( “Maracana Blow” blow in English) version of Olympics thanks to its great success in the penalty shootout of the Rio 2016 final in which the magic of Neymar appeared insufficient for the Canarinhos to strike down the Germans neither during the 90 minutes nor in overtime.

Brazilian forward Neymar gave the team at 27 minutes a brilliant free-kick but the Germans, as befits them, did not surrender and surprised Maracana stadium in the second half by an equalizer from Maximilian Meyer – the two captains then sent the match to penalties.

The FC Barcelona forward attracted all the attention and kept up his status as the undisputed leader of this Brazilian Olympic project that finally found reward at home.

It had to be 2016, the year when South America hosts its first ever Olympics that the Canarinhos settled accounts with history and took home the first Olympic gold ever.

The five-time world champion has won all titles and all categories but its bad luck at the Olympic Games – seemingly a jinx – continued to pursue it every four years.

With Neymar’s free kick at the 27th minute, began the end of that jinx which he broke with the final penalty shot.

So far Neymar had been the most active in the Brazilian team against a Germany with a strong defense – electrical, skilled and dynamic. Neymar proved to be a headache for the players of Horst Hrubesch’s team, even daring to attempt some fancy dribbling.

At halftime the score stood at 1-0 with several substantial scares around goalie Weverton as the young Germans, like the older ones, demonstrated much football talent and pride.

After the break came what no one expected: a magnificent combination that ended with a centre from the right and a precise shot from captain Meyer who was alone inside the area and Maracana fell silent.

Germany followed its goal with more firm footwork and Brazil, insecure and nervous, knew that if it put more rhythm in counter-attacks, the skill and speed of Neymar and his team could surprise the German defense.

The ideas and the reserves dwindled in geometric progression and there was no choice but to play for gold in the shootout.

The lottery, and on this occasion, to achieve Olympic glory, finally smiled on Neymar and Brazil. EFE

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 21 (EFE)