Brazil fails to break down 10-man South Africa in scoreless draw

It wasn't a 7-1 defeat, but Brazil got off to a disappointing start at Rio 2016.

Despite playing with a one-man advantage for over half-an-hour and tallying 20 shots, Brazil was unable to decompose South Africa's defence, resulting in a scoreless draw that will do no favours for the dire state of Brazilian football.

There was no shortage of chances for Brazil, who came closest when Neymar played a spectacular pass for Gabriel Jesus in the second half, only for the teenage forward to fire a shot off the woodwork. It was the only time that the Selecao was able to get the ball past Itumeleng Khune, who enjoyed one of the best international performances of his career, making a number of phenomenal saves.

But it wasn't solely Khune that kept Brazil at bay. South Africa defended with bravery, as Eric Mathoho and Rivaldo Coetzee broke up attack after attack after attack.

As for Brazil, Felipe Anderson, Renato Augusto, and Rafinha were unable to do anything in the midfield, while Gabriel Jesus had an off day. Neymar came to life in the fixture's later stages, but even the Barcelona phenom was unable to compensate for a lack of killer instinct.

Brazil will have a shot at redemption on Sunday versus Iraq, while South Africa will look to produce another defensive masterpiece against Denmark.