A second-half goal availed Brazil a late 1-0 victory over Belgium in their group opener of the Olympic men's soccer tournament on Thursday.

Brazilian midfielder Hernanes scored the lone goal in the 79th minute, who launched a left-footed shot and sent the ball into the upper-left corner of the net, after receiving a flick from playmaker Diego, who plays for German club Werder Bremen.

The two teams fought aggressively against each other and clashed in the midfield two minutes into the game, with Brazilian midfielders Hernanes and Anderson, and Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas each receiving a caution.

In the 25th minute, Belgium defender Vincent Kompany, who plays for German club Hamburger SV, was yellow-carded when covering AC Milan's talented 19-year-old striker Alexandre Pato.

Belgium received another yellow-card in the first half when defender Sebastien Pocognoli tackled down Brazilian defender Rafinha in the 42nd minute.

The "little devils" suffered more losses when Kompany and Fellaini received two more yellow cards and were sent off in the 72nd and 88th minutes respectively.

Subsituted Brazilian attacker Jo's goal nearly consolidated Brazil's lead but was ruled offside.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)