BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) " Brazil started its quest for an Olympic gold medal in men's soccer with a disappointing 0-0 draw against South Africa, a result that prompted loud jeers by some of the home fans.
Despite an attack led by Barcelona striker Neymar and talented youngsters Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol, Brazil was not able to find the net at the packed Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
Gabriel Jesus, newly signed by Manchester City, had the game's best chance in the 69th minute but missed an open net with a close-range shot that struck the post.
"I have the obligation to score that goal," he said. "I'm not used to missing those chances. I'm disappointed. I won't be able to sleep tonight because of that one."
Neymar and Gabigol threatened a few times but also couldn't score.
"We had the best chances but the ball didn't go in," Brazil coach Rogerio Micale said. "And we also have to give credit to South Africa, which has a very determined team and made it difficult for us to impose our game."
South Africa played a man down from the 59th after defender Mothobi Mvala earned a second yellow card for a hard foul on Brazil right back Zeca.
In the other Group A match in Brasilia, Iraq and Denmark also played to a scoreless draw, leaving all four teams tied.
Brazil plays Iraq on Sunday, also in Brasilia, while South Africa faces Denmark.
In Rio de Janeiro, Portugal defeated two-time Olympic champion Argentina 2-0 with goals by Paciencia in the 66th and Pite in the 84th in front of 45,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium, the vast majority cheering for Portugal. Earlier, Honduras defeated Algeria 3-2 in the other Group D game in Rio.
In the jungle city of Manaus, Colombia and Sweden drew 2-2 in Group B. The Colombians got on the board with Teo Gutierrez in the 17th but allowed the Swedes to move ahead with goals by Mikael Ishak in the 43rd and Astrit Ajdarevic in the 62nd. Colombia's equalizer came from a 75th-minute penalty kick converted by Dorlan Pabon.
In Group C, defending champion Mexico drew 2-2 with Germany despite twice having the lead in the northeastern city of Salvador. Oribe Peralta scored Mexico's first goal, and Germany's 78th-minute equalizer came from 2014 World Cup champion Matthias Ginter.
Source :Newstribue.info
Tags : Brazil, South Africa, Under23, Olympics, neymar, khune
Source :Newstribue.info
Tags : Brazil, South Africa, Under23, Olympics, neymar, khune
