their record of never having been beat by Brazil at the Summer Olympic
Games intact.
The much fancied and expensively assembled hosts were held to a
frustrating 0-0 draw by 10-man South Africa in their opening Group A
encounter in Brasilia.
Leaving nothing to chance, Brazil Head coach Rogerio Micale fielded
captain Neymar, rising star Gabriel Barbosa and new Manchester City
signing Gabriel Jesus in a fearsome three-pronged attack but they were
unable to find a breakthrough inside a packed Mane Garrincha Stadium.
Lebo Mothiba twice missed chances for South Africa in the first half
before the hosts began to take control, with Neymar twice coming close
from distance and Gabriel Jesus hitting the post with the goal gaping.
So it is actually anyone's game in Group A after Iraq and Denmark
played out a goalless draw earlier in Brasilia. Hope Amaglug-glug will
deliver on Sunday against Germany.
