Share

SA to face Brazil in Rio opener

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil will face South Africa in the opening game of the men's Olympic soccer tournament as the five-time World Cup champions try for their first gold medal.

Brazil lost to Mexico in the Olympic final four years ago in London.

The match is set for Aug. 4 in Brasilia, a day before the Olympics officially open in Rio de Janeiro. Iraq and Denmark are also in the group.

In Thursday's draw at the Maracana Stadium, defending champion Mexico was put in a group with South Korea, Fiji and Germany.

It's unclear if Brazil striker Neymar will be playing in his native country. The Brazilian football confederation has requested that he be available for the Copa America Centenario tournament in June in the United States, and then the Olympics.

Barcelona has not indicated it will release him for both events.

Brazil will also play the opening match in the women's tournament, against China on Aug. 3 in Belo Horizonte. Sweden and South Africa are also in the group.

The defending champion United States was drawn in a group with France, New Zealand and Colombia.

Japan, the runner-up four years ago, did not qualify this time.

Draw

Men

Group A: Brazil, South Africa, Iraq, Denmark

Group B: Sweden; Colombia; Nigeria; Japan

Group C: Fiji; Korea Republic; Mexico; Germany

Group D: Honduras, Algeria, Portugal, Argentina

Women

Group E: Brazil, China, Sweden, South Africa

Group G: USA, New Zealand, France, Colombia

Group F: Canada, Australia, Zimbabwe, Germany

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1804 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1767 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1067 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 451 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
4% - 248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE