By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil almost blew a three goal lead as they defeated Egypt 3-2 in their opening game at the 2012 Olympics at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Mano Menezes’ men raced into a three goal lead in just half an hour with goals from Rafael, Leandro Damião and Neymar before the North Africans fired back after the break.
While they looked scintillating going forward the defensive frailties could cause a headache for Menezes as the tournament progresses.
Twenty-year-old Oscar was the man-of-the-match, setting up the first two goals, and provided he can keep making assists it might not matter just how sloppy the defense turns out to be.
Brazil managed to stand firm but what could have been a walk in the park turned out to be a nervous roller-coaster ride as they played out time in the final minutes.
In a topsy-turvy encounter they managed to be breathtaking and calamitous in the space of ninety minutes.
The team are back in action against Belarus at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium on Sunday as they chase their first ever Olympic gold medal.
The title is the only one that eludes the most successful football nation on the planet.
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