Brazilian star forward Neymar failed to get his side off to a winning start at the Rio Olympics as the hosts were held to a goalless draw by 10-man South Africa on the opening day of the men's football event in Brasilia.
Despite the second-half dismissal of midfielder Mothobi Mvala for a second yellow card, a stubborn South Africa defence held firm to register a point.
New Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus came close to giving Brazilian fans something to cheer when he hit the post 22 minutes from time, the Guardian reported.
Brazil, the five-time world champions, have never won a gold at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Iraq and Denmark also played a goalless draw at the same venue in the other Group A fixture.
World champions Germany held defending champions Mexico to a 2-2 draw in Group C clash while South Korea handed Fiji a humbling 8-0 defeat.
In Group D, Honduras edged past Algeria 3-2 in their opening match while Portugal thumped Argentina 2-0 in other match of the same group.
