WINDSOR, England (AP) — Germany produced a late burst to win the Olympic rowing gold in the blue-ribbon men's eight at Dorney Lake on Wednesday, justifying its pre-race billing as heavy favorite.

Unbeaten since 2009, the powerful German crew crossed the line in 5 minutes, 48.75 seconds to win the high-profile event for the first time since the country was unified in 1990.

Canada captured silver in its bid to defend the title it won in Beijing four years ago. Britain was level with Germany for much of the race but settled for bronze.