SHANGHAI, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Brazil led Belgium 2-0 in the first half of their Olympic men's football bronze medal match here on Friday.

    The match began with 20 minutes' stalemate, in which Belgium offensive performed slightly better. Brazilian big names seemed unlucky, with Ronaldinho yellow carded for faking a fall in minute 26, followed by an offside bicycle kick in minute 7.

    Diego scored the first goal at Rafinha's cross in the 28th minute. Surprising enough, the goal didn't drive Brazil toward a more Brazilian way. During the rest of the first half, they kept less lively, leaving a series of opportunities to Belgium near the net.

    However, Belgium forwards, more active but less experienced, failed to grasp the chances.

    In the 44th minute, after several rounds of dull passings among Brazil defenders, Jo scored their second goal with a nice header.

    Brazil beat Belgium 1-0 in their first group game. Before Beijing Games, the two teams have met only once in a major international tournament, with Brazil defeating Belgium 2-0 in the first-stage elimination round of the 2002 World Cup, a tournament that Brazil eventually won.