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Brazil vs. Iraq ended 0-0 in an extremely frustrating afternoon for the host nation. The result could see Brazil exit if they fail to get three points against Denmark.
Photo: @theafcdotcom | Twitter
Brazil struggled to establish any sort of rhythm in the first half as Iraq pressed very high and physically imposed themselves on the game. The strategy worked extremely well as Brazil became increasingly frustrated, and almost went behind after a Mohannad Abdulraheem header hit the post following a long throw.
As the half went on, Brazil started to gain a foothold in the match as Iraq's pressing began to lose its intensity. Nevertheless, chances were few and far between, with the only real opportunities falling to Renato Augusto, who rattled the crossbar with a rocket, and Neymar, who almost scored an Olympic corner.
Brazil started the second half in much the same way as they finished the first, getting themselves into great positions but failing to make it count. The Brazilians became visibly frustrated as the well-disciplined Iraq defense kept Brazil to mostly long-range efforts.
The tension was palpable in the crowd as the game approached the final moments, and when Renato Augusto blasted the ball over in front of an empty net, it became apparent that it was just not going to happen for Brazil.
After seven minutes of stoppage time, the game was brought to a close. The Iraq team celebrated wildly while the mostly Brazilian crowd descended into stunned silence. Two games, two draws and no goals for Brazil. How the mighty have fallen.
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