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Neymar and Brazil drew a blank in Olympic football opener in Brasilia

By Mark Crellin

Thursday 4 August 2016 23:50, UK

Brazil player Neymar gestures on the field during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games First Round Group A men's football match Brazil vs South Africa, at the Mane G
Image: Neymar endured a frustrating afternoon

Despite the presence of Neymar, hosts Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man South Africa in their opening match at the Rio Olympics.

Barcelona man Neymar is the biggest name taking part in the tournament but he endured a frustrating afternoon in Brasilia on a sandy and slow surface.

Il capitano della selezione olimpica brasiliana, Neymar, in azione con il Sudafrica (foto Getty)
Image: Neymar looks to unlock the South Africa defence

South Africa had Mothobi Mvala sent off with half an hour left but still managed to hold out for a draw, and even had their chances to win it, while Brazil's Gabriel Jesus, who joined Manchester City this week, produced an early "miss of the tournament" contender at the other end.

South Africa player Rivaldo Coetzee (L) vies for the ball with Brazil player Gabriel Jesus during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games First Round Group A men's foot
Image: South Africa player Rivaldo Coetzee tries to block a pass from Brazil's Gabriel Jesus

A near-capacity 70,000 crowd were in attendance at the Mane Garrincha Stadium and Brazil were fancied to open with a victory.

Brazil player Neymar (L) gestures on the field during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games First Round Group A men's football match Brazil vs South Africa, at the Ma
Image: Neymar takes a tumble in Brasilia

Neymar captained the Brazil side but appeared to drop too deep in the first half, although he did draw two excellent saves from South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune with shots from outside the area.

South Africa then bossed the opening stages of the second half, only for Lebo Mothiba and captain Keagen Dolly to squander chances.

Brazil player Neymar vies for the ball with South Africa player Lebo Mothiba during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games First Round Group A men's football match Bra
Image: Neymar vies for the ball with South Africa player Lebo Mothiba

And Mvala then picked up a pair of quickfire yellow cards to leave his team right up against it.

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However, Jesus somehow managed to miss a glorious chance to win it for Brazil, hitting the post from close range with an open goal gaping.

And Neymar's dipping drive landed on the roof of the net, as South Africa escaped with a point.

Iraq and Denmark also played out a scoreless draw earlier on Thursday, meaning the four teams in Group A all have one point.

BRASILIA, BRAZIL - AUGUST 04: Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil gestures during action against Southy Africa at Mane Garrincha Stadium on August 4, 2016 in Brasilia,
Image: Neymar is the biggest name taking part in the football tournament at the Olympics

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