Brazil Men Held to 0-0 Draw by South Africa

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — 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.

Neymar and Gabigol threatened a few times but also couldn't score.

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.

The Olympic gold is the only major trophy Brazil hasn't won in soccer. The country's team has won the silver medal three times, including four years ago in London, when Neymar was in a squad that lost the final to Mexico.

Brazil controlled possession but wasn't able to create many significant chances until late in the second half. South Africa, playing at the Olympics for the first time since 2000, also came close several times.

The Olympics is Brazil's first tournament since the senior team was embarrassed at the Copa America after failing to advance past the group stage of the continental competition. Neymar skipped that tournament to be able to play at the Rio Games.

Brazil also finished second at the Olympic tournament in 1984 in Los Angeles and in 1988 in Seoul, the second time with a team that included Romario and Bebeto. The five-time World Cup champions won the bronze in 1996 in Atlanta with striker Ronaldo, and in 2008 in Beijing with playmaker Ronaldinho.

South Africa defeated Brazil 3-1 in the group stage of the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Brazil's under-23 squad beat South Africa by the same score in an Olympic warmup earlier this year.

Earlier Wednesday, Honduras defeated Algeria 3-2 in a Group D game at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

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