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"When I was a child, I always dreamed about the Olympics. Now I have scored a goal and no words can explain my happiness," said the delighted Hernanes.

The Brazilians made the most of Vincent Kompany being sent off with 20 minutes left for a second yellow card, piling on the pressure to finally prise open the resiliant Belgium defence

Belgium were reduced to nine men with three minutes remaining when Marouane Fellaini joined his teammate for an early shower.

Brazil captured the Olympic silver medal in 1984 and 1988 and the bronze medal in the 1996 Games, but have yet to strike gold, and the team knows expectations in their football-obsessed homeland are high.

In other matches, Nigeria drew 0-0 against Holland while USA beat Japan 1-0.

Italy were the biggest winners on they day with a 3-0 triumph over Honduras.

Rivals Australia and Serbia drew 1 -1 earlier on Wednesday.