SHENYANG -- A second-half goal availed Brazil a late 1-0 victory over Belgium in their group opener of the Olympic men's soccer tournament here on Thursday.
Brazilian midfielder Hernanes scored the winning goal in the 79th minute, when he launched a left-footed shot on a flick from playmaker Diego, who plays for German club Werder Bremen.
"Once you got a goal, the whole team's confidence is boosted," said Hernanes.
The two teams fought aggressively against each other and clashed in the midfield two minutes into the game, with Brazilian midfielders Hernanes and Anderson, and Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas each receiving a caution.
In the 25th minute, Belgium defender Vincent Kompany, who plays for German club Hamburger SV, was yellow-carded when covering AC Milan's talented 19-year-old striker Alexandre Pato.
Belgium received another yellow-card in the first half when defender Sebastien Pocognoli tackled down Brazilian defender Rafinha in the 42nd minute.
The "little devils" suffered more losses when Kompany and midfielder Marouane Fellaini received more cards and were sent off in the 72nd and 88th minutes respectively.
"The referee has made a difference," said Belgian coach Jean Francois De Sart. "Normally we will have the game 0-0, but we had little chances. If you want to beat Brazil you want to take these few chances."
"But I would say we were better than Brazil in some parts of the game," he added. "Brazil doesn't find a solution to beat our organization. We played a good game and I'm proud about the organization of my sides."
Brazil dominated two thirds of ball procession and substituted attacker Jo's goal nearly consolidated Brazil's lead but was ruled offside in injury time.
"Belgium did a good job in defense but we tried to attack from the sides,"coach Dunga told a post-match press conference."The first game is always difficult as we only had 15 days to prepare. But generally I am satisfied with the performance today."
Brazil will take on New Zealand and Belgium will face China in their next games.