The German U-23 team yesterday stopped Nigeria’s Dream Team VI from reenacting their Atlanta ’96 magic by defeating the Coach Samson Siasia-led boys 2-0 in the semifinal of the Rio 2016 Olympics men football.
The Germans dominated the game from the blast of the whistle with Lukas Klostermann put the Europeans on the driving seat in the 9th minute of the first half after a lackluster performance from the Nigerian defence.
But the 1996 champion came back into the game with full force and would have recorded an equalizer but for a selfish play from gangling striker, Sadiq Umar who supposed to pass to his teammate, Aminu Umar inside the German penalty box. Captain John Mikel Obi also showed his leadership qualities too as he rattled the German defence dribbling two German defenders in quick succession before his shot was blocked by the third defender.
However, the Germans compounded the Dream Team’ woes in the 89th minute when Nils Petersen scored the second after a cross from the right flank to rattle the Dream and Petersen effortlessly tapped the ball into the Nigerian net.
Germany will now meet Brazil in the final in a gold medal game on Saturday. Brazil had earlier whitewashed Honduras by 6 goals to nil with Neymar and Gabriel Jesus scoring a brace each while Luan and Marquinhos also registered their names on the score sheet.
The Dream Team are still within the medal only if they can beat Honduras in the third place match to settle for bronze.
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