RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Most Brazilian players were already back in the locker room when Neymar rushed across the field at Maracana Stadium to celebrate with the fans.
Shirtless, Neymar raised his arms toward the stands. He pumped his fists as the crowd chanted his name. He pointed back at the fans, as if thanking them, drawing even louder cheers.
The Olympic host nation is once again embracing its most talented son.
Neymar had just scored two goals Wednesday — including the fastest one in Olympic history, just 15 seconds into the game — to lead Brazil to a 6-0 rout of Honduras in the semifinals and keep alive its hopes of winning Olympic soccer gold for the first time.