Brazil, the record five-time World Cup winners, are yet to triumph in the men’s Olympic football tournament, losing finals in 1984, 1988 and 2012.
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However, the Barcelona star was eclipsed.
This summer, however, by virtue of being hosts, the pressure cooker is piping hot for Brazil’s soccer players, and after a horrific first round result, one of the games’ memorable moments could be unfolding as early as the night of the first Sunday.
“Today we had a lot of support and only at the end were there boos”.
“In Brazil, we have earned the sympathy of the local people”. A win against Denmark would assure that the team advances into the elimination round.
Brazil created numerous scoring opportunities against South Africa but was not able to capitalize on them, even after the Africans went down a man because of a red card in the 59th minute. Gabriel Jesus, who just signed with Manchester City, was supposed to be a big contributor on a hyped Brazil attack.
Denmark hit the post after three minutes but Iraq had the best chances, with Ali Adnan forcing the Danish keeper into three good saves from free kicks.
While Augusto Renato managed to hit the bar just before the break, he later volleyed wide with the goal at his mercy, while an atypically low-profile Neymar was nearly non-existent.
Argentina coach Julio Olarticoechea was put in charge for the Games just weeks before their opening 2-0 defeat to Portugal.
In Group D, Portugal continued their 100% start with a 2-1 win over Honduras in Rio.
But the Portuguese were level by half-time as Tobias Figueiredo scored in the 21st minute and the victor came in the 36th off the boot of Goncalo Paciencia with an assist to Salvador Agra to book their team’s spot in the quarterfinals.
World champions Germany also dug themselves out of trouble as a stoppage-time equaliser from Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry salvaged a thrilling 3-3 draw against South Korea in Salvador.
Led by Neymar and despite 20 shots on goal, Brazil could not break Iraq down and are increasingly desperate to finally claim the one prize that has so far eluded them – Olympic gold. Denmark, who drew with Iraq 0-0 in the first mnatch, have four points after two matches.
Fiji benefited from New Zealand’s disqualification for fielding an ineligible player to qualify for the Olympics at last year’s Pacific Games. It had opened with a scoreless draw against Iraq.
Erick Gutierrez was Mexico’s saviour as he struck four times in the second-half.
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In Group B, Nigeria are on top with a 1-0 victory over Sweden.
