Brazil disappoints again in men’s soccer, draws Iraq 0-0

The other Group E match saw China beat South Africa 2-0 with their second goal coming from a spectacular 40-yard lob.

The U-23 level isn’t on par with the senior competitions, but for a nation long known for its abilities on the pitch not having an Olympic gold medal is a curiosity of sorts when it comes to Brazil.

“Now we have played so well the pressure changes because people’s expectations rise, so we will face a different pressure now”.

Brazil’s fans jeered their own team and saved their applause for Iraq after the two sides drew 0-0 in their Olympic clash in Brasilia.

After a 0-0 draw against South Africa in its opening game on Thursday, the Brazilians were held scoreless again in a draw against Iraq on Sunday.

Neymar was expected to ease Brazilian football’s wounded pride by delivering a first ever Olympic gold for the five-time world champions.

Marta is even becoming a stick to beat the beleaguered men’s team with.

“I think the women’s team have played the kind of football that we’ve always admired, while the men have failed to show up”, said Airton Pereira, a fan at the Olympic Park.

The capacity crowd chanted “Iraq, Iraq” and also shouted the name of Marta, the captain of the women’s side, who oversaw two victories out of two at the Games last week.

After Sunday’s match, he sped past reporters, head down, leaving the younger players to try to explain the team’s disappointing performance to the media.

Neymar, who skipped the Copa America to participate in the Olympics, will shoulder much of the blame for being unable to scratch against inferior teams, but he is not the only talented member of Brazil.

Barcelona star Neymar looked increasingly frustrated as he was targeted for some heavy challenges from the Iraq defenders.

The 24-year-old Neymar took on the responsibility of trying to restore the nation’s soccer pride after the recent disappointments, but was criticized by some for spending time on vacation and not arriving for the tournament as prepared as other players.

Brazil finishes group play against group leader Denmark Aug. 10.

The world champions improved after the break and were rewarded when Lloyd was characteristically in the right place at the right time to score her 90th global goal.