Germany's forward Ragnar Ache goes airborne during a match with Brazil in Yokohama. AFP

Gulf Today Report

Tokyo: France campaign at Olympics got off to a faltering start after a 4-1 defeat against Mexico while Richarlison scored a hat-trick as Brazil beat Germany on Thursday.
France, who are seeking first Olympic gold since 1984, stumbled in the second half and had to face a defeat in the opening game.

Alexis Vega gave Mexico lead and Sebastian Cordova doubled it in the 55th minute. Andre-Pierre Gignac pulled one back from the penalty spot for Germany.

But Uriel Antuna and Eduardo Aguirre were on target as Mexico completed the rout. France face a tough task to get out of Group A with games against South Africa and hosts Japan.

Richarlison scored three times inside the first half an hour to heap more misery on Germany. Franck Kessie helped Ivory Coast beat Saudi Arabia 2-1.

Spain struggled continued as the European giants were held by Egypt to 0-0.Spain had a chance to score a goal when Real Madrid Dani Ceballos crashed a first-half shot against the post. Spain next take on Australia before their final match with Argentina.

Australia stunned Argentina 2-0 after Lachlan Wales and Marco Tilio scored a goal each.

New Zealand were off to a winning start striker Chris Wood secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea. It was their first-ever win in Olympic football, having managed just one draw in each of the 2008 and 2012 tournaments.