The expectations are so low and interest so little that Brazilian football team’s abysmal display against South Africa failed to spark any anger in a country where football has been more than a religion. In their first match of the Olympics, Brazil were held to a goalless draw by South Africa, playing with 10 men.
With Barcelona star Neymar leading the side and the new Manchester City lad Gabriel Jesus on the pitch for Brazil, the home side was expected to demolish the Africans. But the visitors proved to be tough customers who didn’t give an opening to the Samba Boys. The Brazilians, especially Neymar, made several attempts at the South African goal but in vain. Brazil came closest to opening their score when Jesus had the ball just a few feet away from the goal mouth. But Jesus hit the post. Some 22 minutes later the game ended in a draw and a quiet crowd left the stadium.
Advertisement
Ever since it 1-7 defeat to Germany in the World Cup semi-final in 2014, the Brazilian team has been sinking to new depths. It lost badly in Copa America and is struggling to quality for the 2018 World Cup. The team’s form is so bad that even a sensational player like Jesus failed today to uplift the team and its morale.
But the Brazilian people have so much to crib about, they can’t care less about Neymar and his men’s failure with the ball.
