AP, Brasilia :
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 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.
Nigeria was playing Japan in Manaus only about six hours after arriving in the city. The team had its trip to Brazil delayed by a mix-up at an airport.
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 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.
Nigeria was playing Japan in Manaus only about six hours after arriving in the city. The team had its trip to Brazil delayed by a mix-up at an airport.
