Chinese women beaten by Brazil 3-0 in first soccer match

Chinese women's football team were beaten by hosts Brazil 3-0 in their first Olympic match. (Photo: China News Service/Fu Tian)

Chinese women's football team were beaten by hosts Brazil 3-0 in their first Olympic match in eight years in Rio on Wednesday.

China, nicknamed "Steel Roses" for finishing second in the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup, failed to qualify for London four years ago but their return guilded by former France manager Bruno Bini proved disappointing.

Led by five-time World Player of the Year Marta, Brazil were always dominant and created far more chances than the scoreline suggested.

Monica opened the scoring with a header in the 36th minute and Andressa Alves volleyed home from a Marta cross to make it 2-0 in the 59th minute.

Cristiane sealed the victory with a header in the 90th minute.