Brazil lands prize it craved: Gold in Olympic soccer is lift for troubled nation

Brazil has won the Olympic medal it most craved, claiming its first gold in soccer and providing a lift to a beleaguered nation in the process. Neymar scored the clinching goal for Brazil with a nifty penalty kick in a victory that touched off celebrations all across the soccer-obsessed nation. The win boosted the spirits of a country that has been dealing with a recession, political turmoil, health scares and rampant crime - not to mention the lingering effects of a 7-1 rout against Germany in the 2014 World Cup. “Beloved nation, the gold is ours,” said goalkeeper Weverton.

This is one of the best things that has happened in my life. That’s it.

Neymar

Elsewhere, at the age of 37, Ruth Beitia of Spain won her first major championship with a gold in high jump. Caster Semenya of South Africa won the Olympic title in the 800m with no one close to challenging her. Britain’s Mo Farah became the first runner in 40 years to win back-to-back long-distance doubles at the Olympics by taking gold in the men’s 5,000m. America’s Gwen Jorgensen became her country’s first triathlon gold medallist, while Inbee Par won the ladies golf competition.

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