In an Olympic warm-up friendly match against Japan on Saturday, Brazil dominated the first-half, and scored twice to close at 2-0. The hosts would be happy to have a positive start to their campaign, as they aim to win their first gold medal in soccer at Rio.
Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa opened the scorecard for Brazil at 32 minutes, when his shot was averted past the Japanese keeper Kosuke Nakamura. The second strike came from Marquinhos, who scored eight minutes later when he beat two defenders to the ball to head home a corner.
Brazil was dominant throughout the match, and Neymar and Thiago Maia both missed opportunities to score in the first half where Brazil were sailing away. Barcelona striker Neymar stood out with his brilliant performance, and was supported by Felipe Anderson in the first half.
The game was an important warm-up ahead of the Olympics starting next month where Brazil plays at home in South America’s first Olympics. The hosts will be looking at winning the only international title that they havenat been able to conquer.
Brazil will be facing South Africa, Iraq and Denmark in the group stage at Rio. ript>
