The only major international honor that the Brazilian men’s national soccer team hasn’t won is the Olympic gold medal. They’ve prioritized righting that wrong this summer, but they’re off to a bad start in Rio. Several players were disappointing in their opening match, as Brazil drew 0-0 against South Africa.
Brazil vs. South Africa 2016: Final score 0-0, hosts booed in their opener
It’s only been one game, but Brazilian fans have already lost patience with their men’s soccer team at the Olympics.
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Brazil was on top for almost the entire match, recording 19 shots to South Africa's four. But the only difficult saves South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune had to make were on long-range shots, with Brazil struggling to create clear-cut chances from inside the box.
The hosts were given a huge boost in the 59th minute when South Africa’s Mothobi Mvala picked up a second yellow card, forcing Bafana Bafana to finish the match with 10 men. Brazil nearly took advantage in the 69th minute, but failed to capitalize, and Gabriel Jesus’ miss ended up being the defining moment of the game. The new Manchester City signing was gifted a tap-in off a cross by Luan, but hit the right post when it was easier to score.
Brazil's shot volume slowed down considerably after that, while South Africa started to look more comfortable in their clearances. When the final whistle blew, there were audible boos from the home crowd at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha.
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