Late respite for the Selecao! The Brazilian Olympic selection had their patience tested in the first group game in the competition before Werder Bremen midfielder Diego threaded through a ball to FC Sao Paulo’s Hernanes in the 79th minute for the striker then to beat two opponents and finish from close range. It was to be the only goal of the game.

The side from trainer Carlos Dunga had their job made a lot easier by the sending off of Belgian captain Vincent Kompany just seven minutes before the Brazilian goal. The HSV midfielder was given his marching orders when he received a second yellow card for tugging at Diego’s shirt. 40,000 spectators at the Olympic Stadium in Shenyang erupted in applause for Diego when he was substituted in the 83rd minute.

Werder’s other Olympic representative didn’t get a look-in at all during his sides opener. Dusko Tosic was left on the bench for the full 90 minutes as Serbia attempted to come from behind against Australia (69’ Ruben Zadkovic) and eventually equalised through Slobodan Rajkovic twelve minutes from time. The chances of Dusko Tosic making an appearance at all for Serbia throughout the tournament are doubtful, in particular since the defender has now made it very clear to his club that he wishes to return to Bremen as soon as possible.