Olympics Rio 2016: Germany edge Sweden to win gold

Dzsenifer Marozsan scored the opening goal three minutes into the second half, curling it home beautifully past Hedvig Lindahl.

And Germany doubled their lead when Linda Sembrant put through her own net just after the hour.

Stina Blackstenius got a goal back for Sweden shortly afterwards, giving them hope in the last 20 minutes, but it was not to be for the Scandinavian outfit.

Germany went into the match as favourites; Sweden had reached the final using defensive tactics in the knock-out stage which had been widely criticised, particularly by the USA, their semi-final opponents.

Nonetheless, they more than held their own in the first half, and went in at half-time with the scores at 0-0.

But their challenge faded after the restart when Marozsan's fine effort was inadvertently added to by Sembrant's misfortune, with Blackstenius' strike unable to inspire a comeback.

Sweden coach Pia Sundhage was chasing her third Olympic gold medal in a row, having led the USA to a tournament victory in 2008 and 2012.

In the bronze medal match, Canada beat hosts Brazil 2-1.