The 2016 Rio Games are still awaiting their official start at Friday's opening ceremony, but preliminary-round soccer matches got underway for the men Thursday.
Eight matches in total were on the slate, as all 16 teams competing for gold got their first crack at scoring a win. Host country and presumptive favorite Brazil kicked things off with South Africa, while Germany and Argentina were expected to have a much tougher go against Mexico and Portugal, respectively.
Each team will have a two-day break before returning to the pitch Aug. 7 and again Aug. 10 to close out group play.