Neymar and Brazil Make a Sluggish Start to Olympic Games Bid

There is immense pressure on Neymar to come through and lead Brazil to their first-ever Olympic Games football gold. But judging on the evidence of the team’s first run-out, both he and his team will have to improve fast to make that dream come true. 

It has been a long post-season for the Selecao captain. The last time he had taken the field for a competitive match came almost three months ago, when Barcelona downed Sevilla 2-0 to lift the Copa del Rey. 

Neymar was on target in that match, but the endless interval and less-than-ideal preparations for the Olympics on Brazil’s side seem to have taken their toll. Certainly in Brasilia’s Estadio Mane Garrincha, South Africa looked more alert, in better shape and more likely to make something happen during a disappointing 0-0 draw for the hosts. 

Coach Rogerio Micale put out an attacking line-up for the opening match. Neymar played alongside Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Barbosa—two of the most promising young stars in Brazilian football—in an offensive trident, originally lining up on the left-hand side of the field as he does to such devastating effect for Barca. 

When it became evident that the captain was being overpowered on the flank, he moved to a more central, deeper position behind the two strikers. But there was no way through. South Africa’s flawless defence refused to allow Brazil to dominate, and their speed and power when breaking forward surprised the home team. 

Not even when Mothobi Mvala earned a second yellow card could Neymar and Co. break the deadlock. South Africa at that point sensibly pulled back and defended the scoreless …

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