The New Zealand mens soccer teams Olympic campaign ended today when they went down 3-0 to the strong Brazilian team at St James Park, Newcastle.
After a defeat and a draw in earlier pool matches, the Oly-Whites needed a win over Brazil to advance into post-section play a tall order against a team of brilliant young professionals.
Brazil were clearly superior and their only hitch was in the 76th minute when Alex Sandro was red carded from the field.
Midfielder Danilo opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after a clever one-two with Leandro Damiao.
Leandro himself got on the scoresheet in the 29th minute and it remained 2-0 at halftime.
In the second half Sandro scored early to stretch the lead to 3-0. The Brazilians had several more scoring chances and just before the end New Zealands Michael McGlinchey's had a drive deflected over the bar.
The Brazilians had 24 shots at goal to New Zealands 10 and had nearly twice as much possession.
