Horst Hrubesch’s men missed out on Olympic Gold on Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro. The DFB-Team were beaten 5-4 on penalties by hosts Brazil, after the game had finished 1-1 in the Maracana.
“We leave as winners“
“It’s a tough defeat to take. We knew that penalties were possible. We had chances throughout the game. Ahead of the shootout I told the lads that whatever happens they would be leaving here as winner,” explained departing head coach Hrubesch, who added that “obviously we all wanted Gold medals but I’m still happy. We’ve spent four days in the Olympic village and that was an incredible experience.”
Superstar Neymar opened the scoring for Brazil after 27 minutes with a sumptuous free kick but Nils Petersen’s missed penalty proved costly. Germany’s goal came courtesy of skipper Max Meyer (59’). This is the DFB-Team’s best performance at an Olympic Games since 1988, when they claimed Bronze in Seoul.
Unwavering determination
The opening goal came against the run of play, as Germany started extremely strongly in Rio, with Julian Brandt, Meyer and Sven Bender all coming close to scoring for Hrubesch’s men in the early exchanges. However, it was the hosts who went in front when Neymar bent a free kick into the back of the net via the woodwork.
Despite the setback, Hrubesch’s men continued to push and their spirit and dedication to the cause was rewarded shortly before the hour-mark. Full back Jeremy Toljan burst forward and sent over an inviting cross, which was gleefully swept home by Schalke attacker Max Meyer. The impressive Lars Bender was withdrawn moments later with an injury.
Brazil stronger from the spot
The hosts stepped it up in the closing moments of the game and had chances to claim Gold in regulation time, but a combination of Timo Horn, resolute defending and wasteful finishing ensured that extra time would be needed to split the sides. Julian Brandt almost converted in the 97th minute but his effort flashed wide after good play from Petersen.
The final chance of the match fell to Felipe Anderson but Horn was on hand to tip it to safety (106‘). In the ensuing shootout Weverton saved from Nils Petersen before Neymar slotted home the decisive penalty.
Horst Hrubesch’s men missed out on Olympic Gold on Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro. The DFB-Team were beaten 5-4 on penalties by hosts Brazil, after the game had finished 1-1 in the Maracana.
“We leave as winners“
“It’s a tough defeat to take. We knew that penalties were possible. We had chances throughout the game. Ahead of the shootout I told the lads that whatever happens they would be leaving here as winner,” explained departing head coach Hrubesch, who added that “obviously we all wanted Gold medals but I’m still happy. We’ve spent four days in the Olympic village and that was an incredible experience.”
Superstar Neymar opened the scoring for Brazil after 27 minutes with a sumptuous free kick but Nils Petersen’s missed penalty proved costly. Germany’s goal came courtesy of skipper Max Meyer (59’). This is the DFB-Team’s best performance at an Olympic Games since 1988, when they claimed Bronze in Seoul.
Unwavering determination
The opening goal came against the run of play, as Germany started extremely strongly in Rio, with Julian Brandt, Meyer and Sven Bender all coming close to scoring for Hrubesch’s men in the early exchanges. However, it was the hosts who went in front when Neymar bent a free kick into the back of the net via the woodwork.
Despite the setback, Hrubesch’s men continued to push and their spirit and dedication to the cause was rewarded shortly before the hour-mark. Full back Jeremy Toljan burst forward and sent over an inviting cross, which was gleefully swept home by Schalke attacker Max Meyer. The impressive Lars Bender was withdrawn moments later with an injury.
Brazil stronger from the spot
The hosts stepped it up in the closing moments of the game and had chances to claim Gold in regulation time, but a combination of Timo Horn, resolute defending and wasteful finishing ensured that extra time would be needed to split the sides. Julian Brandt almost converted in the 97th minute but his effort flashed wide after good play from Petersen.
The final chance of the match fell to Felipe Anderson but Horn was on hand to tip it to safety (106‘). In the ensuing shootout Weverton saved from Nils Petersen before Neymar slotted home the decisive penalty.
