Sweden vs. Germany: 2016 Olympic Soccer Gold-Medal Game Score and Reaction

Germany won the gold medal by beating Sweden 2-1 in the women's soccer final at the iconic Maracana Stadium at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

A goalless first half suited defensive-minded Sweden, but the deadlock was eventually broken when Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan produced a quality finish barely more than two minutes into the second half. An own goal just after the hour mark by Sweden's Linda Sembrant all but sealed the gold.

Yet substitute Stina Blackstenius ensured a nervy final 20 minutes for the Germans.

Marozsan's curling strike from distance rendered the Swedish defensive block irrelevant, although a slight deflection helped Germany. It was a just reward for the team that had made most of the running during a dour first half.

Germany's attacking intent led to several promising chances before the break, including this excellent headed opportunity, courtesy of NBC Sports Soccer:

Star Melanie Behringer was dictating possession as Germany toiled to break down the typically stubborn Swedish defence. Even after conceding, the Swedes still adopted the miserly 4-5-1 structure that's served them so well at these Games.

However, Sweden soon had no choice but to get more expansive, so Blackstenius came off the bench to add more energy and pace up front. A smart Swedish break saw the substitute tee up Olivia Schough, but her wicked shot from the edge of the box was thwarted by a brave block.

Still, Swedish forays forward were too rare. Germany were soon back on the front foot, and a slick combination of passes saw Sara Daebritz eventually felled on the edge of the box.

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A rasping free-kick by Marozsan clipped the post and then struck Sembrant before bouncing in for the second tally. Things looked bleak for Sweden as Germany piled on the pressure in search of a third.

However, the resilient team that eliminated the United States and Brazil were unlikely to capitulate, and Blackstenius' finish from close range kept the Swedish hopes alive.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Sweden's pressure improved, and it took a sensational block by Marozsan to deny Schough in the box inside the final five minutes.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Holding on meant Germany claimed their first-ever gold in this event.

Afterwards, Sweden coach Pia Sundhage refused to be downbeat, instead focusing on the merits of a surprise silver medal, per FIFA's official site: “I’m very proud of the way we played against Germany. We won the silver medal, we didn’t lose a gold medal. The road we have taken since the very first game against South Africa until now and the performance in the final means that I’m very proud of the players.”

Meanwhile, Swedish goalscorer Blackstenius set a very lofty target after showing some promise at these Games, per the same source: “It has been far above my expectations. The way I’ve played and scored two goals at the Olympics. Every game I play gives me great experience to become the best in the world eventually."

While Sundhage and Blackstenius can be satisfied with defying expectations, it's Germany coach Silvia Neid who walks away with a fitting final achievement.