Rio 2016: Brazil lose to Sweden on penalties in semi-final

Sweden beat Brazil on penalties to reach final

Brazil's hopes of a first Olympic women's football gold came to an end at the semi-final stage with a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat by Sweden.

The Swedes will play Germany, who beat Canada 2-0, at the Maracana on Friday.

Brazil went closest to breaking the deadlock in second-half stoppage time but Formiga's header was saved by keeper Helvig Lindahl.

Both teams had a penalty saved before Lindahl blocked Andressa's effort and Lisa Dahlkvist scored the winner.

"They managed to neutralise us and work defensively," said Brazil coach Vadao. "They wanted to win the match 1-0. If not, they were ready to take it to penalties.

Brazil's Andressa, 17, is comforted after missing her penalty kick

"It's not for me to criticise an opponent as their strategy worked and they had good results in both matches against us and the USA."

Later, Germany ensured it was an all-European final as goals from Melanie Behringer and Sara Dabritz earned them victory over London 2012 bronze medallists Canada.

Germany's Melanie Behringer, left, and Canada's Sophie Schmidt vie for the ball during a semi-final match of the women's Olympic football tournament

Behringer opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Kadeisha Buchanan fouled Alex Popp in the area.

Dabritz added the second goal after the break when she fired in from the edge of the area.