Advertisement

Rio 2016 is officially underway but the Olympic Stadium is empty for first event

Sweden are taking on South Africa in a group-stage women’s football clash.

THOUGH THE OPENING ceremony takes place on Friday, the 2016 Summer Olympics are actually already underway.

A women’s group-stage football clash between Sweden and South Africa kicked off at Rio’s 47,000-capacity Olympic Stadium this afternoon but the crowds elected to stay away.

Plenty of journalists took to social media to share images of the practically empty venue which plays host to a game involving Brazil and China later on today.

It’s expected that the attendance will improve for that first-round game though it’s an inauspicious and nervy start for the Olympic organisers.

Today sees a litany of women’s football fixtures taking place with Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo and the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte also on hosting duties.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Stranded! Their Olympic opener is tomorrow but the Nigerian football team are in Atlanta

Meet Ireland’s Olympic team: Rob Heffernan

Close
14 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.