TheCable

Richarlison, Everton forward, scored three first-half goals as Brazil defeated ten-man Germany 4-2 in their group D opening match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Thursday.

The thrilling encounter was played at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

In a repeat of the 2016 Olympic gold-medal match which Brazil won on penalties, the Selecao under-23 side took control of the match despite having a penalty saved.

Richarlison scored the stunning hat-trick in 30 minutes and made history as the first English Premier League (EPL) player to achieve the feat at the Olympics.

The 24-year-old pounced on a chaotic German defence to strike first on seven minutes, scored the second with a header and a fierce shot in 30 minutes to complete the three-goal lead.

Despite going down to 10 men in the 63rd minute, Germany scored twice and pushed for a leveler but were caught out on the counter by the defending champions in added time as Paulinho found the top corner with a well-struck effort.

Mighty nations fall

France and Argentina recorded humiliating losses to inferior opponents. Mexico crushed Les Blues 4-1 while Australia humbled Argentina by two unreplied goals.

New Zealand, however, won their first-ever match at the Olympics following a 1-0 win over South Korea, with Chris Woods scoring the winner via a tap-in.

African countries also showed their mettle on the first day with Ivory Coast recording a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia while Egypt held Spain to a goalless draw. The Spaniards paraded several players from the recently concluded Euro 2020, including Pedri, the tournament’s young best player. However, South Africa lost 1-0 to Japan, hosts of the event.

RESULTS

• Mexico 4-1 France
• Japan 1-0 South Africa
• New Zealand 1-0 South Korea
• Honduras 0-1 Romania
• Egypt 0-0 Spain
• Argentina 0-2 Australia
• Ivory Coast 2-1 Saudi Arabia
• Brazil 4-2 Germany