Brazil forward Neymar (middle) goes against two Japanese defenders in a recent friendly match. (Photo : Getty Images)
Tournament-favorite Brazil will face tough team South Africa in the opening game of their 2016 Rio Summer Olympics campaign. The Group A match will be held at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in the country's capital of Brasília on Thursday, August 4.
It would be an interesting reunion for the two national team's under-23 squads as they have already faced each other in an international friendly last March, with the Brazilians pulling off a 3-1 victory at the Estádio Rei Pelé in Maceio, Brazil, as per Goal.
Defender Rodrigo Caio gave the hosts the lead at the 15th minute via a header that went past South Africa goalkeeper Jody February.
Lazio winger Felipe Anderson doubled the lead just five minutes later to give the Brazilians a 2-0 lead at the halftime break.
Their third and last goal came from Pereira, who is set to miss the Olympics, at the 73rd minute in the second half to complete the squad's three-goal haul.
South Africa netted a consolation goal courtesy of French-based striker Lebo Mothiba at the 66th minute.
That meeting was the last time these two teams have gathered together in a competitive match. However, this time the Seleção will be bannered by their senior team captain Neymar as one of the squad's overage players.
The 24-year-old FC Barcelona winger is clearly the top superstar of this summer's Olympics, which makes Brazil the top favorite to win the whole thing to finally capture that elusive gold for the South American nation, ESPN reported.
Head coach Owen Da Gama's side is the definite underdog on paper as they do not have the star power that the Brazilians have. Aside from Neymar, manager Rogério Micale's squad will be bannered by Anderson, Beijing Guoan midfielder Renato Augusto (another overage player), Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, and Neymar's Barça teammate Rafinha.
Another disadvantage for the South Africans is the absence of 18-year-old prodigy Phakamani Mahlambi, who is currently sidelined by injury.
It should be noted, though, that Amaglug-glug had beaten Brazil in their only meeting so far in the Olympics back in the year 2000, which could amount to something.
The predicted result is a 3-1 rout for Brazil.
Brazil starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Weverton; Marquinhos, Zeca, Caio, Santos; Alcantara, Augusto, Maia; Jesus, Neymar, Barbosa
South Africa starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): February; Mvala, Mathoho, Mngonyama, Coetzee; Masuku, Sandows, Ntshangase, Mekoa; Dolly, Morris
