Rio Olympics 2016: Germany beat Sweden 2-1 to win first ever gold in women’s football
GERMANY survived a Swedish fightback to win their first ever women's football gold.
The No2 seeds took a 2-0 lead after Dzsenifer Maroszan's second-half strike and an own-goal from Linda Sembrandt.
But Stina Blackstenius pulled one back for the Swedes who almost forced extra time as Olivia Schough saw her effort blocked yards from goal.
And Germany held on against the Scandinavians - who beat favourites the USA and hosts Brazil on penalties to reach the final.
Sweden, who scored just three goals in their five games in the run up to the showpiece, started positively.
But Germany eased their way into the match and took a deserved lead as Maroszan curled home from the edge of the area.
And 14 minutes later a Sara Daebritz free-kick smacked the post and Sembrandt kneed the ball into her own goal from just a few yards out.
Sweden reacted almost immediately and just five minutes later Blackstenius pulled them back into the game.
Schough sent in a low cross and Blackstenius slid in between two defenders to poke the ball home.
The provider had a brilliant chance three minutes from time but could not beat a scrambling defence.
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The win was a perfect farewell for German coach Silvia Neid, who was managing the side in her last match.
Germany missed out on the Olympics in 2012 but won the bronze the last three times they played, in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
Their men's team will play Neymar's Brazil tomorrow aiming to complete an Games double.