South Africa holds Brazil to 0-0 draw in Olympic men's soccer opener

Neymar and Gabriel Jesus had their chances, but Brazil was held to a 0-0 draw by South Africa at the Olympics.

Brazil got off to an inauspicious start in its quest to win a first men's soccer Olympic gold medal, as the 2016 hosts were held 0-0 by 10-man South Africa in Brasilia on Thursday.

Neymar & Co. went up a man in the in 59th minute, as Mothobi Mvala was sent off for his second yellow card in three minutes. The Seleção couldn't take advantage, though, as South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune repeatedly thwarted Brazil's best efforts.

Brazil's best chance came through new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus, who had a chance to redirect a cross into an empty net, only to hit the post in the 69th minute. 

Neymar, who is the centerpiece of Brazil's squad and its captain, had two blasts from long range just miss the target in the first half and one in the second half whiz over the crossbar.

Another Olympic men's soccer failure will be 'taking a 7-1' all over again for Brazil

The result didn't cost Brazil much in the standings, as the other two teams in Group A, Iraq and Denmark, also played to a 0-0 draw, putting all four teams on level standing going into the next set of group games on Sunday.