Brazil captain Neymar admitted that his side s 0-0 draw with South Africa in their opening Olympics clash on Thursday felt like a defeat.
The host nation dominated for large spells in Brasilia, but were unable to find a way past Itumeleng Khune in the South Africa goal, even after they were reduced to 10 men when Mothobi Mvala was sent off following a second booking.
Neymar insists Brazil never expected their challenge for the gold medal to be straightforward, but conceded that the result will be a difficult one to forget.
We knew it wouldn t be a case of coming here and bringing home the gold, he said after the match.
For us, the draw is a defeat. The team played to win, but we know our responsibility. We ll face more difficulties yet.
We …