Brazil held to 0-0 draw by South Africa in men’s soccer

But results are what matter and the pressure has increased even more heading into Brazil’s must-win game against Iraq on Sunday.

Brazil had a disappointing start to its Olympic men’s soccer campaign as it was held to a 0-0 tie by South Africa in Brasilia on Thursday.

Brazil, who have never won the Olympic gold, started with a highly rated front three of Neymar, new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Barbosa, the 19-year old Santos striker who is expected to head to Europe before the transfer window shuts.

Earlier on Thursday, Iraq and Denmark kicked the tournament off with a 0-0 draw in the same stadium.

South Africa defeated Brazil 3-1 in the group stage of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Neymar had the bulk of Brazil’s 20 shots and produced five of the team’s seven shots on goal.

New Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus hit the post for London 2012 runners-up Brazil.

Neymar was proudly sporting the captain’s armband, but his desire to get involved by dropping deep often left him too far from the South African goal to make a telling impact. And Barbosa should have done better when he scuffed a shot with only the keeper to beat.

South Africa’s Mothobi Mvala was sent off just before the hour after picking up a second yellow card for a foul.

Neymar saw a dipping effort land on the roof of the net and Gabriel Barbosa went close.

However, South Africa resisted to add problems on the field for the hosts to a Games build-up already marred by doping scandals and fears surrounding the Zika virus.

In Group C, defending Olympic champion Mexico drew 2-2 with Germany despite twice having the lead in the northeastern city of Salvador.

Gold medallists in 2008 and 2012 Argentina face Portugal in the other standout game of the day in Rio with both sides looking for fresh talent to for the post Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era.

In Group D, Honduras edged Algeria 3-2 at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro.

Loss Off Your Belly Fats, Upper Arm Fat and Body Fats In 2weeks Time.