Brazil's Neymar nets fastest Olympic goal ever at 15 seconds
ByReuters
Updated 17/08/2016 at 21:29 GMT+1
Brazil's Neymar has not yet won his country a gold medal, but on Wednesday he at least pocketed an Olympic record - the fastest goal, at a dazzling 15 seconds into the game against overwhelmed Honduras.
Brazil's Neymar celebrates after scoring a penalty against Honduras during their Rio 2016 Olympic Games men's football semifinal match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 17, 2016.
Image credit: AFP
The men's semi-final had barely kicked off when Barcelona forward Neymar intercepted the ball, charged towards the Honduran side, challenged the goalie and bundled the ball into the net, sending the Maracana stadium into a frenzy of cheers.
Hurt Honduras were shaken by the goal and never recovered, going on to lose 6-0.
But soccer-mad Brazilians were delighted, chanting "Neymar!" during much of the match - including when he netted a penalty at 90 minutes to put the icing on the cake.
Neymar will have to keep the magic going to allow Brazil to finally hoist the only international title that has so far eluded it.
The South American powerhouse has lost three Olympic finals, including at London 2012. If he can lead his squad to triumph in Saturday's final, the team captain would cement his status as one of Brazil's greatest ever players.
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement