Matt Oldfield - Neymar

We have to win! Neymar Jr told his teammates. He normally liked to laugh and dance before a match but not this time. He was captain and this was serious. Lets get revenge for the 2014 World Cup!

Neymar Jr was the only member of Brazils 2016 Olympic squad who had also been there for that awful night in Belo Horizonte two years earlier. When Germany thrashed Brazil 71 in the semifinals on home soil, the whole nation was left heartbroken. Football was their greatest passion.

But it hurt Neymar Jr more than most because he was injured for that game and couldnt be the national hero that they needed. This time, though, as they faced Germany once again, he was fit and raring to go.

Germany better watch out! his strike partner, Gabriel Jesus cheered.

After a long season at Barcelona, Neymar Jr had taken a little while to find his form at the Olympics. As the one of the oldest players in the squad, his teammates depended on him. It was a lot of responsibility and after three matches, Neymar Jr hadnt scored a single goal.

Dont worry, the coach Rogrio Micale told him. That was your warm-up; now we need you at your best in these next big games!

Neymar Jr scored one against Colombia in the quarter-finals, then two against Honduras in the semifinals. He had rediscovered his ginga rhythm, his Brazilian flair, just in time.

That means you should score a hat-trick in the final! his teammate Marquinhos joked.

No pressure, then! Neymar Jr replied with a smile on his face.

He led the players out on to the pitch to face Germany at the Maracan Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Nearly 60,000 Brazilians had come to cheer on their country, wearing the famous yellow shirt and waving yellow-and-green flags. They were ready for a party, and the noise and colour were incredible.

Neymar Jr stood with his hand on his heart and sang the national anthem loudly. He was so proud to represent his nation and he was one win away from making everyone very happy. He couldnt wait.

Midway through the first half, Brazil won a free-kick just outside the penalty area. It was a perfect opportunity for Neymar Jr. He placed the ball down, stepped back and took a long, deep breath. Then he curled the ball powerfully towards the top corner. It was too quick and high for the goalkeeper to save. The shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down into the back of the net.

Gooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
aaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Neymar Jr had always dreamed of scoring amazing goals in international finals. Now it was a reality and he would never forget the moment. All of his teammates ran over and jumped on him.

You did it! Gabriel shouted.

After the celebrations, Neymar Jr told the others to calm down and focus. We havent won this yet concentrate!

Brazil defended well but after sixty minutes, Germany equalised. Neymar Jr had more work to do. He dribbled past one defender and then dropped in a clever Cruyff Turn to wrong-foot a second. It was magical skill and the crowd loved it. He now had the space to shoot. The ball swerved past the goalkeepers outstretched arm but just wide of the post.

So close! Neymar Jr said to himself, putting his hands on his head.

Brazil attacked again and again but they couldnt find a winning goal, even after thirty minutes of extra-time. Now it would go to penalties.

Ill take the last one, Neymar Jr told Micale. He was determined to be the national hero this time.

After eight penalties, it was 44. When Brazils goalkeeper Weverton saved the ninth spot-kick, Neymar Jr had his golden chance. He walked from the halfway line towards the penalty spot with thousands of fans cheering his name.

He picked up the ball, kissed it and put it back down. As he waited for the referees whistle, he tried to slow his heartbeat. If he was too excited, he might kick it over the bar. He needed to be his normal, cool self.

As he ran up, he slowed down to try to make the German goalkeeper move early. The keeper dived low to the right and Neymar Jr put his shot high and to the left. As the ball went in, Neymar burst into tears of joy. He had led his country all the way to the Olympic Gold Medal for the first time ever. As he fell to his knees and thanked God, the other Brazil players ran to hug their hero.

You always said that we could do it! his teammate Luan shouted. Now its carnival time!

As Neymar Jr got back on his feet, he listened to the incredible noise of the Maracan crowd. It was the best thing he had ever heard.

Imagine what the atmosphere would have been like if wed made it to the World Cup final and won it in 2014! Neymar Jr thought to himself, but it was time to forget about the pains of the past and move forward. Thanks to him, his country was back at the top of world football again.

Thank you! the coach Micale said to him, giving him the biggest hug of all.

He was still only twenty-four but Neymar Jr had already been Brazils number one superstar for years. There was so much pressure on him but he refused to let his country down, even after moving to Spain to play for Barcelona.

Neymar Jr had Brazil to thank for everything: the love of his family and friends; the support of his coaches at Portuguesa Santista and Santos; and above all, the amazing skills that he had first developed in street football, beach football and futsal matches in So Paulo.