Germany reached the Olympic final with a thorough 2-0 win over Nigeria to set up a meeting with Brazil for the gold medal at the Rio Olympics. The last meeting between the two teams resulted in a 7-1 thrashing by the Germans at the 2014 World Cup.
Chances galore see Germany hang on to slim lead
The Germans were coming off of an impressive victory over Portugal in the quarterfinals and they nearly made the perfect start in the third minute when Serge Gnabry roamed free inside the Nigeria six-yard box, but his low shot was well-blocked. The opening goal did come six minutes later, and it was set up by Gnabry. He made a brilliant pass to Max Meyer fooling the Nigerian defense before Meyer squared it off to Lukas Klostermann who tapped it in past Nigerian goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel to give the Germans a 1-0 lead.
Nigeria was presented with a golden opportunity to level in the 12th minute. A terrible error by goalkeeper Timo Horn offered a chance to striker Sadiq Umar. Horn was able to spare his blushes by making the save and denying a rebound and order was restored in the 21st minute, Germany nearly doubling their lead from a dead ball, played into the mixer for Lars Bender, his close-range shot blocked well by Daniel.
Jon Obi Mikel had a chance for the African side in the 30th minute, but his effort was blocked out for a corner. Nigeria was growing into the game but still had little success in equalizing. The Germans were now piling on the pressure and Meyer's shot from 23 yards was just over the bar in the 35th minute while three minutes later Davie Selke's volley was sent straight at Daniel. Bender's wonderful low pass is touched well wide by Selke four minutes from time and their wastefulness nearly cost them as Umar's through ball for Aminu was blocked by Klostermann before he could shoot, bringing a close to an eventful first half.
Germany leaves it late to score second, seals trip to the final
Germany went hunting for that vital second goal and three minutes into the second half, Gnabry struck a powerful low shot, tipped away by Daniel. Chances were coming by the bushel now, Selke making a mess of Gnabry's lovely through ball in the 49th minute. Gnabry's fired wide after a lovely setup by Mattias Ginter in the 58th minute before Mikel's free kick was easily handled by Horn in the 63rd minute. Time was running out for Nigeria and nine minutes from time, Stanley Amuzie's long-range free kick was poor at best.
With a minute to go in normal time, Germany finally doubled their lead as Selke's low shot was heading wide only for Nils Petersen turn the ball into Daniel's net, a hint of offside most likely not affecting the outcome. The lead now safely at 2-0, the Germans saw the game out and earned a trip to the Maracana on Friday to battle the hosts for the gold.