Brazil Defeats Germany In Penalties, Wins First Olympic Football Gold

Maracana Stadium was filled with celebration and relief as Brazil won its first Olympic soccer title, defeating Germany, 5-4, on penalty kicks after the match remained tied at 1-1 through 120 minutes.

When the Brazilian goalkeeper Weverton dived to his left to save a penalty kick by Germany's Nils Petersen, the anxiety of the evening exploded into liberation.

Neymar, the star forward, then approached the ball for the winning penalty kick. He did a stutter step then shot high and assuredly. Brazil has won five World Cups but never until that moment of release an Olympic gold medal.