UPDATE 1-Olympics-Soccer-Denmark held, Honduras win, Brazil up next
(Adds Honduras-Algeria result)
RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Denmark and Iraq kicked off the men's soccer tournament at the Rio Olympics on Thursday with a 0-0 draw that was more entertaining than the scoreline suggested.
The match in front a tiny crowd in Brasilia preceded the more widely-anticipated Group A clash between hosts Brazil and South Africa being played later on Thursday.
Denmark and Iraq were unperturbed by 80 degree temperatures and set out to play open and attacking football at the near empty 72,000 capacity National stadium.
Denmark hit the post after three minutes but Iraq had the best chances, with Ali Adnan forcing Danish keeper Jeppe Hojbjerg into three fine saves from free kicks.
The first goals in the competition came later on Thursday in Rio, where Honduras beat Algeria 3-2 in an enthralling match.
Romell Quioto got the opener after 13 minutes and Marcelo Pereira added a second 20 minutes later.
Sofiane Bendebka got one back for Algeria midway through the second half only for Antony Lozano to restore Honduras' two-goal advantage after 79 minutes.
Baghdad Bounedjah got a second for the Africans with five minutes remaining and, although they pushed hard for an equalizer, Honduras took all three points.
The opening ceremony for the Rio Games takes place on Friday but the men's soccer tournament began 24 hours earlier, a day after the women's soccer teams began their quest for gold. Twelve women's teams are in Brazil, along with 16 men's sides.
The Olympic football competition is being played in host city Rio de Janeiro and six other cities. (Editing by Ed Osmond and Ken Ferris)
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