Host Brazil could only manage a disappointing 0-0 draw against South Africa as the men’s soccer competition began at the Olympics on Thursday.
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Gabriel Jesus had the best chance of the game in the 69th minute when he was able to convert from close range in front of an open net, his strike hitting the post.
Neymar and Gabigol threatened a few times but also couldn’t score.
Defensive midfielder of the South African men’s Olympic team Mothobi Mvala has apologised for the red card he received in the opening match of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games against hosts Brazil.
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Mvala’s exit seemed to galvanise Brazil, who created their first clear-cut opportunity of the match just minutes later.
Four years ago, Brazil was upset by Mexico in the gold medal game in London Olympics. Neymar played alongside Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Barbosa-two of the most promising young stars in Brazilian football-in an offensive trident, originally lining up on the left-hand side of the field as he does to such devastating effect for Barca.
“It’s not because of one move that you should feel dejected like that”, Neymar said.
The Bafana shot-stopper was up to the challenge, putting in one of his finest performances in national colours yet, but there was another South African who emerged from the clash with his reputation well and truly enhanced.
“I am so happy to make my appearance, make my mark. So we must be focused on Denmark and then Iraq”.
Group “D”: Honduras 3 (Quioto 13, Pereira 33, Lozano 79) bt Algeria 2 (Bendebka 68, Bounedjah 85); Argentina 0 lost to Portugal 2 (Paciencia 66, Pite 84).
Seven other games will be played in the men’s tournament on Thursday, including Mexico vs. Germany, Portugal vs. Argentina, Nigeria vs. Japan and Sweden vs. Colombia.
“We have many great talents in the team and a fantastic manager in Pep Guardiola that I can learn so much from”.
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In contrast to the vast swaths of empty stands across the six cities being used to host the men’s and women’s football tournaments on the opening two days, the hosts commanded a near-capacity 70,000 crowd.
