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Rio de Janeiro • Faint lights surfaced around the crowd inside the Maracanã 26 minutes into this match filled with equal parts anxiety and revenge. The lights became less faint because they had more company. Brazilians know a memorable opportunity when they see one.
So the sea of yellow, eager for pivotal moment on home soil, hit record.
All that was left was for the star of this show, Neymar, to provide them with that instance. So he lined up the free kick from 30 yards, took a few steps forward and brought a country to life. The superstar's free kick in the 27th minute of Saturday night's Olympic gold medal match in Rio de Janeiro put the redemption storyline on track.
But as Brazil has found out in recent years, the limelight isn't always accompanied with the ease of a victory. Not like it used to, at least. Not on these massive stages. To clear that lingering mental hurdle, to continue the grieving process from the 7-1 disaster against Germany two years ago in the World Cup, it would take penalty kicks.
And Brazil, with every ounce of host nation pressure upon them, persevered.
Neymar delivered when called upon again, and scored the final penalty to top Germany 5-4 and deliver the hosts a gold medal.
Brazil has had its moments during these Olympic Games. First-ever gold medalists in women's judo, men's lightweight boxing and men's pole vault. But this was the gold so desperately sought after. And it was Neymar and this group of Under-23 national teamers who delivered.
The Brazilians had to sweat it out, something they hadn't had to do until Saturday night. Brazil allowed its first goal of the Olympic tournament when Germany captain Max Meyer equalized in the 59th minute. A poor giveaway from the Brazilian back line allowed Germany to recycle its attack. Allowed time to pick his head up, outside back Jeremy Toljan pulled up on his sprint down the right hand side of the field, playing a low cross to find an unmarked Meyer. His one-time finish beat Brazilian goalkeeper Weverton at the far post.
Brazilian forward Luan had the best chance of the first extra time period, but couldn't manage a shot on target. Substitute Felipe Anderson had his late Olympic moment on a platter when Neymar beat an unsuspecting German back line. Barreling in on goal, Anderson's left-footed attempt was saved by German goalkeeper Timo Horn.
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