RIO DE JANEIRO: Gabriel Barbosa struck twice as Brazil’s footballers finally got their Olympic campaign rolling with a 4-0 demolition of Denmark on Wednesday, while arch-rivals Argentina crashed out.
Barcelona star Neymar played the role of facilitator as Gabriel Jesus and Lu an were also on target to end a run of over 200 minutes without a goal. The win sealed them the top spot in Group A to set up a quarters meeting with Colombia on Saturday.
Argentina didn’ t survive a sluggish start as they were beaten by Honduras.
RESULTS: Group A: Denmark 0 Brazil 4 (Barbosa 26, 80, Jesus 40, Luan 50); South Africa 1 (Motupa 6) Iraq 1 (Luaibi 14) Group B: Colombia 2 (Gutierrez 4, Pabon 63-pen) Nigeria 0; Japan 1 (Yajima 65) Sweden 0 Group C: Germany 10 (Gnabry 8, 45, Petersen 14, 33, 40, 63-pen, 70, Meyer 30, 49, 52) Fiji 0; South Korea 1 (Kwon 77) Mexico 0 Group D: Algeria 1 (Benkablia 30) Portugal 1 (Paciencia 25-pen); Argentina 1 (Martinez 90+3) Honduras 1 (Lozano 75-pen).