Rio 2016: Bender and Brandt go for gold

The satisfaction at reaching the Olympic final was huge after the 2-0 win against Nigeria in the semi-finals on Thursday. “It was a really, really tight game and we had to give our all to win,” said Lars Bender, “but I think we deserved to make it to the final.” Both the skipper and midfield dynamo of the Werkself as well as his Bayer 04 team-mate Julian Brandt played a big part in guiding Horst Hrubesch’s players to the ultimate prize with constantly improving team performances in the tournament on the back of limited time for preparation. Germany take on hosts Brazil in the battle for gold at the legendary Maracana Stadium on Saturday at 22.30 CET (live on ARD).

This “unique success” (DFB sporting director Hansi Flick) has also led, in part, to the German team moving their HQ to the Olympic village on Friday to finally experience the atmosphere of the games surrounded by other athletes – a target that has been high on the agenda of Lars Bender, Julian Brandt and the other players from the start. “This unique atmosphere will give the team a boost as they prepare for the final,” said Hansi Flick.

Julian Brandt is not just waiting for the final against Brazil with Neymar, Renato Augusto and Co. in their line-up. “It’s incredible we’ve already secured a medal. Of course, gold would be better than silver,” said Brandt who has had a great tournament that includes seven assists for Germany. And Brandt does not underestimate the close commitment shown by the team to the head coach Horst Hrubesch who is in charge of a Germany team for the last time in the Olympic final: “He loves the game and winning a medal not only fulfils a dream for us but for him too.”

Krahn looking to write history today

The Germany women’s team are looking to write sporting history at the Maracana tonight (22.30 CET, live on ZDF): Just one more win against Sweden, who knocked out hosts Brazil on penalties in the last four, is all the team coached by Silvia Neid need for glory and a gold medal. It is also the first time that two European teams have met in an Olympic final. Annike Krahn, who has proved to be a rock at the heart of the German defence in this tournament, won bronze with Germany at the 2008 games in Beijing. She will definitely do better this time round.