XXII Olympic Football Tournament
(Beijing 2008)
Game Details
(From 7-08-2008 to 23-08-2008)
STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 7-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 36.184 REFEREE: Jerome Damon (SAF) GOALS: 1-0 (Zadkovich 69’); 1-1 (Rajković 78’) BOOKED: Špiranović (50’), McClenahan (60’) / Z. Tošić (79’) |
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Australia - Serbia |
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1-1 (0-0) |
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AUSTRALIA Federici McClenahan, North, Špiranović, Topor-Stanley Zadkovich, Milligan (c) (Celeski 66’), Musialik, Carney Rukavytsja (Bridge 88’), Thompson (Sarkies 76’) COACH: Graham Arnold |
SERBIA Stojković (c) Tomović, Jovanović, Rajković, Kolarov Fejsa (Živković 77’), Z. Tošić, Smiljanić, Gulan (Kačar 73’) Rakić (Mrdaković 56’), Tadić COACH: Miroslav Đukić |
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GAME SUMMARY Australia fought hard to hold European finalists Serbia 1-1 in the Group A opening match at the 2008 Beijing Olympics football tournament. Serbia pressured the Olyroos for the majority of the game, and all-round midfielder Zoran Tošić created most of the danger with his powerful shots (he even smashed one against the crossbar at the end of the first period). Australia relied more on the counterattacks and were on the defensive most of the game (a case in point is that they packed eleven players inside their box when the Serbs took a corner).
Midway the second half, right midfielder Ruben Zadkovich netted in from a small angle at the far post after speedy David Carney suddenly burst out three Serbian defenders before curving a wicked low cross. After the Australian goal, the game tended to be more open, with both sides quickening the rhythm and making more attacking attempts. Nikita Rukavytsja could have secured the three points for the Olyroos, but his 74-minute effort hit the far post. The Serbs finally levelled from a 78-minute corner when tall central back Slobodan Rajković flashed a bullet header into the net. |
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STADIUM: Tiānjīn Àolínpĭkè Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium” (Tianjin) DATE: 7-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 57.102 REFEREE: Badara Diatta (SEN) GOALS: 0-1 (Holden 47’) BOOKED: K. Honda (73’), T. Honda (77’) / Adu (51’), Bradley (65’), Guzan (90’) |
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Japan - USA |
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0-1 (0-0) |
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JAPAN Nishikawa Uchida, Morishige, Mizumoto (c), Nagatomo K. Honda, T. Honda, Kajiyama (Lee 64’), Kagawa (Okazaki 83’) Taniguchi, Morimoto (Toyoda 72’) COACH: Yasuharu Sorimachi |
USA Guzan Wynne, Edu, Parkhurst, Orozco Holden (Feilhaber 82’), Bradley, Kljestan, Rogers (Szetela 86’) McBride (c) (Altidore 74’), Adu COACH: Piotr Nowak |
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GAME SUMMARY A much more physical US team edged Japan 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal by midfielder Stuart Holden. The Japanese created the first scoring chance in minute 21, but defender Masato Morishige failed to send the ball into the empty net. Then Freddy Adu sent a powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 34th minute, but the ball sailed just over the bar. Two minutes after the re-start, Holden scored the winning goal when he fired a powerful low shot from inside the box which the goalkeeper failed to deflect. With only three minutes left, Japanese attacker Tadanari Lee was brought down in the American area after a counterattack, but Senegal referee Badara Diatta refused to whistle what seemed a clear penalty. |
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STADIUM: Shĕnyáng Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Shenyang) DATE: 7-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 39.661 REFEREE: Khalil al-Ghamdi (KSA) GOALS: 1-0 (Hernanes 79’) BOOKED: Anderson (2’), Hernanes (2’), Alex Silva (76’), Renan (90+’) / Mirallas (2’), Kompany (24’), Pocognoli (42’), Kompany (72’ > RC), Fellaini (82’), Fellaini (88’ > RC) [Incidents: Kompany (min. 72) and Fellaini (min. 88) were both sent off.] |
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Brazil - Belgium |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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BRAZIL Renan Rafinha, Alex Silva, Breno, Marcelo Hernanes, Lucas, Diego (Ramires 85’), Anderson (Thiago Neves 75’) Alexandre Pato (Jô 75’), Ronaldinho (c) COACH: Carlos Caetano Bledorn “Dunga” |
BELGIUM Bailly De Roover, Kompany, Vermaelen, Pocognoli Martens (c) (De Smet 63’), Fellaini, Vertonghen, De Mul (V. Borre 83’) Dembélé, Mirallas (Simaeys 75’) COACH: Jean-François de Sart |
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GAME SUMMARY Brazil scraped past Belgium in their opening game of the olympic football tournament thanks to a late goal by midfielder Hernanes, who launched a left-footed shot on a flick from playmaker Diego. The two teams fought aggressively in midfield from the beginning, and as soon as minute 2 the referee had already shown three yellow cards. Brazil had many difficulties to break the organized Belgian defense, and struggled to create chances during the first half.
In the second period, Ronaldinho and Co. continued to be held, until defender Vincent Kompany was controversially sent off after a foul that didn’t seem so. Brazil started to dominate the ball possession, and opened the score thanks to Hernanes. Near the end, the “Little Devils” suffered more losses when midfielder Marouane Fellaini collected two yellow cards in succession and was also sent off. Substitute attacker Jô nearly secured the Brazilian victory with an injury-time goal, but it was ruled offside. |
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STADIUM: Qínhuángdăo Shì Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Qinhuangdao) DATE: 7-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 21.680 REFEREE: Damir Skomina (SVN) GOALS: 0-1 (Giovinco 41’); 0-2 (Rossi [p.] 45’); 0-3 (Acquafresca [p.] 52’) BOOKED: Hernández (51’), Thomas (87’) / Cigarini (54’), De Silvestri (81’), Abate (90+’) [Incidents: Pavón missed a penalty shot (min. 84).] |
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Honduras - Italy |
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0-3 (0-2) |
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HONDURAS Hernández Molina, Arzú, Caballero, Norales Padilla (Álvarez 46’), Thomas (c), Claros (M. Sánchez 61’), Martínez Pavón, Rodas (Núñez 65’) COACH: Gilberto Yearwood |
ITALY Viviano De Silvestri, Bocchetti (Coda 72’), Criscito, De Ceglie Montolivo, Cigarini, Nocerino (c) Rossi (Abate 59’), Acquafresca, Giovinco (Marchisio 79’) COACH: Pierluigi Casiraghi |
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GAME SUMMARY Italy thrashed Honduras 3-0 in their opening olympic game after dominating the whole match. The Italians couldn’t convert their advantage to outcome until the 41st minute, when Juventus' striker Sebastian Giovinco wonderfully fired the ball from the left corner of the box into the net (a serious contender to best goal of the tournament). Pierluigi Casiraghi’s men extended the lead to 2-0 four minutes later, after Honduras defender Quiarol Arzú handed the ball in the area and Giuseppe Rossi converted the penalty shot.
Seven minutes into the second half, Robert Acquafresca outraced the defense line and faced the goalkeeper Kevin Hernández one-on-one, who trapped him down. The referee awarded a new penalty, and Acquafresca himself sent the ball to the left corner. Honduras made a few challenges in the second half, and Jorge Caballero’s long-range shot forced the Italian goalkeeper to make his best save of the day. Near the end, the Central Americans had a good chance to score a consolation goal when Emil Martínez was challenged down in the box and awarded a penalty, but Carlos Pavón kicked the ball way too high. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 7-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 43.266 REFEREE: Wolfgang Stark (GER) GOALS: 0-1 (Messi 43’); 1-1 (Cissé 53’); 1-2 (Acosta 86’) BOOKED: Kalou (45’), Kambou (59’) / Agüero (62’), Riquelme (75’) |
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Ivory Coast - Argentina |
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1-2 (0-1) |
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IVORY COAST Angban Bagayoko, Angoua, Viera, Wawa N’Gossan (Dja Djédjé 63’), Coulibaly, Kalou, Kambou Gervinho (c), Cissé (Moura 74’) COACH: Gérard Gili |
ARGENTINA Ustari Zabaleta, Garay, Pareja, Monzón Messi (Sosa 90+’), Mascherano, Gago, Riquelme (c) Lavezzi (Di María 63’), Agüero (Acosta 80’) COACH: Sergio Batista |
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GAME SUMMARY In a game played with a quick tempo and an open attack mood, Ivory Coast nearly fought out a deserved draw with defending champions Argentina. Leo Messi, who had just escaped from a tug-of-war between FC Barcelona and the Argentine Football Federation over his participation in the Olympic Games, broke the stalemate timely when the “Young Elephants” pressured Argentina heavily in the first half. The 21-year-old talent collected a defense-splitting through ball from Román Riquelme in the 43rd minute and beat the Ivory Coast keeper Vincent Angban calmly with a low drive.
Soon after halftime, Sékou Cissé equalized with a nice header, and the Ivorians started to play better and better, with Gervinho and Kalou brushing off the challenges of the Argentine defense. The Africans created several opportunities, although they squandered in too many cases. But Messi was always a threatening presence with his magic touch, and four minutes from time he exchanged a neat one-two with Riquelme before drilling a bullet shot to force a save from Angban at the far post, where substitute striker Lautaro Acosta poked into the empty net to take the winner. |
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STADIUM: Tiānjīn Àolínpĭkè Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium” (Tianjin) DATE: 7-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.390 REFEREE: Pablo Pozo (CHI) GOALS: - BOOKED: Jaliens (56’), Sno (RC 90+’) / Apam (20’), Adefemi (60’), Ogbuke (74’) [Incidents: Sno was sent off (min. 90+).] |
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Netherlands - Nigeria |
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0-0 (0-0) |
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NETHERLANDS Vermeer Zuiverloon, Marcellis, Jaliens, Jong-a-Pin Drenthe, Maduro (Sno 46’), Emanuelson (Bakkal 81’), De Guzmán Makaay (c) (Sibon 46’), Babel COACH: Foppe de Haan |
NIGERIA Vanzekin Adefemi, Apam, Adeleye, Okonkwo Okoronkwo (Ogbuke 70’), Kaita, Ajilore Isaac (c) (Ekpo 88’), Odemwingie (Anichebe 80’), Obinna COACH: Samson Siasia |
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GAME SUMMARY Netherlands, one of the gold-medal favorites together with Argentina and Brazil, were held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria. Using three forwards, the Nigerians created several quality chances, but were lacking a final touch. The Dutch also were dangerous, mostly through midfielder Jonathan de Guzmán. The best Dutch chance came in minute 9, when Makaay side-volleyed a shot off the crossbar. In minute 21, De Guzmán's free kick from ten meters outside the penalty area had to be tipped over the bar by Nigerian keeper Ambrose Vanzekin. But the Nigerians rallied in the final fifteen minutes of the first half. Victor Obinna put a header just wide in the 31st, touched a cross wide of the near post in the 33rd, and unleashed a powerful right-footed drive from the top of the penalty area in the 44th that Dutch keeper Kenneth Vermeer had to dive left to push around the post.
Problems continued for Holland at halftime, when Makaay had to be replaced due to a foot injury and his participation in the next group match was doubtful. Both sides traded chances in the second period as well, although it was mostly Nigeria’s. De Guzmán forced a save from Vanzekin in the 47th minute with a free kick and shot wide in the 58th, while Peter Odemwingie was centimeters short from reaching Olubayo Adefemi’s low cross through the box in the 58th and Promise Isaac forced a diving save from Vermeer in the 84th. |
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STADIUM: Shĕnyáng Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Shenyang) DATE: 7-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 41.407 REFEREE: Martín Vázquez (URU) GOALS: 0-1 (Brockie 53’); 1-1 (Dŏng Fāngzhuó 88’) BOOKED: Zhōu Hăibīn (24’), Lĭ Wĕifēng (25’), Féng Xiāotíng (45’), Yuàn Wéiwěi (90+’) / Killen (25’), Old (28’), Old (39’ > RC), Hogg (89’), Brockie (90+’) [Incidents: Old was sent off (min. 39).] |
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China - New Zealand |
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1-1 (0-0) |
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CHINA Qiū Shèngjiŏng Tán Wàngsōng, Féng Xiāotíng, Yuàn Wéiwěi, Lĭ Wĕifēng Hāo Jùnmĭn (Chén Tāo 57’), Zhèng Zhì (c), Zhōu Hăibīn, Cuī Péng Hán Péng (Dŏng Fāngzhuó 78’), Gào Lín (Jiāng Níng 55’) COACH: Yīn Tiěshēng |
NEW ZEALAND Spoonley Scott (Tinkler 84’), Old, Nelsen (c), Hogg Jenkins (Boxall 41’), Elliott, Peverley (Van Rooyen 80’), Henderson Brockie, Killen COACH: Stu Jacobs |
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GAME SUMMARY Hosts China opened their participation in the football tournament with a somehow disappointing 1-1 draw against olympic debutants New Zealand. The first half of the match featured a number of fruitless attacks and was marred by a series of fouls. New Zealand defense mainstay Steven Old was sent off for a second bookable offense after a hand-ball in the 39th minute.
After halftime, China renewed their offensive and pegged the Kiwis back in their half. However, it was New Zealand who broke the deadlock in minute 53, when midfielder Craig Henderson chested the ball down near the Chinese box and flicked it to a running Jeremy Brockie, who duly slammed it into the back of the net. In minute 67, playmaker Zhèng Zhì crossed the ball from the left and substitute forward Jiāng Níng got a perfect sight of goal, but his shot was denied by New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen. Only two minutes from time, substitute Dŏng Fāngzhuó scored a last-gasp goal with a header (it was in fact the first goal of China in all their olympic participations). New Zealand could have won the game with a last minute winner, but the ball was skewed wide. |
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STADIUM: Qínhuángdăo Shì Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Qinhuangdao) DATE: 7-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 21.943 REFEREE: Jair Marrufo (USA) GOALS: 1-0 (Park Joo-young 68’); 1-1 (Mandjeck 81’) BOOKED: Kim Jin-kyu (57’) / Baning (RC 90+’) [Incidents: Baning was sent off (min. 90+).] |
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South Korea - Cameroon |
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1-1 (0-0) |
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SOUTH KOREA Jung S.R. Shin K.H., Kang M.S., Kim J.K. (c), Kim D.J. Lee C.Y. (Kim K.H. 90+’), Ki S.Y. (Oh J.E. 84’), Kim J.W. Lee K.H., Park J.Y., Baek J.H. (Shin Y.R. 46’) COACH: Park Sung-hwa |
CAMEROON Tignyemb (c) Bebey Kingué, Enam, Bikey, Ghomsi M’Bia, Baning, Ollé Ollé (Mandjeck 64’), Chedjou (Songo’o 75’) Bebbe, N’Gal (M’Boua 80’) COACH: Martin Mpilé |
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GAME SUMMARY Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions from Africa, were not to be tamed as they rallied from one goal down to level South Korea 1-1 in their opening olympic game. The 2000 olympic champions again displayed their outstanding skills and strong stamina throughout the match. Both teams played aggressively from the very beginning till the final whistle, with fast attacks and constant alternatives. South Korea opened the scoring first in the 68th minute when a low free kick from Park Joo-young flew over all the defenders and found the right corner of the net. However, the Cameroon players staged waves of attacks afterwards and eventually found the equalizer in the 81st minute from a goalmouth melee as substitute Georges Mandjeck slammed the ball to the bar and into the net. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 10-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.182 REFEREE: Viktor Kassai (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (Lavezzi 76’) BOOKED: Federici (74’), Milligan (89’) |
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Argentina - Australia |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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ARGENTINA Ustari Zabaleta, Garay, Fazio, Monzón Messi (Acosta 90+’), Mascherano, Gago, Riquelme (c) Lavezzi (Sosa 87’), Agüero (Di María 61’) COACH: Sergio Batista |
AUSTRALIA Federici North, Milligan (c), Špiranović, Carney Zadkovich, Kilkenny, Musialik, Celeski (McClenahan 81’) Thompson (Rukavytsja 72’), Troisi (Bridge 65’) COACH: Graham Arnold |
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GAME SUMMARY Argentina became the first team to qualify for the last-eight round of the tournament after narrowly defeating a defense-minded Australia. The Argentines dominated the match from the very beginning, but found it hard to break through a well-organized Australian defense for most of the game. Once again, Messi was the most dangerous Argentinian player. In minute 8, “Kun” Agüero’s foray created space for the Barcelona star, but his shot inside the area went high over the bar. Six minutes later Messi beat three challenges to thrust into the box before firing a small-angled shot which was denied by keeper Adam Federici. Riquelme also had two great chances in the first period, but his free kick went just wide before another shot following Agüero’s back-heel pass inside the box was blocked by Federici.
The Albiceleste piled on the pressure after the break, with Riquelme, Mascherano and Messi all having chances to score. The Olyroos’ best opportunity came in the 72nd minute, when substitute striker Nikita Rukavytsja burst down the left wing before firing a small-angled shot which hit the side net. Striker Ezequiel Lavezzi grabbed the winner in the 76th minute with a well-taken volley at the far post after substitute Ángel di María’s cunning cross left him unmarked in the area. |
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STADIUM: Tiānjīn Àolínpĭkè Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium” (Tianjin) DATE: 10-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 42.592 REFEREE: Masoud Moradi (IRN) GOALS: 1-0 (Obinna 58’); 2-0 (Anichebe 74’); 2-1 (Toyoda 79’) BOOKED: Okonkwo (16’), Adefemi (59’), Apam (90’) / Hosogai (57’), T. Honda (84’) |
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Nigeria - Japan |
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2-1 (0-0) |
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NIGERIA Vanzekin Adefemi, Apam, Adeleye, Okonkwo Okoronkwo, Kaita, Ajilore, Obinna (Ekpo 77’) Isaac (c) (Ogbuke 73’), Odemwingie (Anichebe 62’) COACH: Samson Siasia |
JAPAN Nishikawa Uchida, Morishige, Mizumoto (c), Yasuda K. Honda, T. Honda, Hosogai (Kajiyama 75’), Kagawa (Okazaki 63’) Taniguchi, Lee (Toyoda 63’) COACH: Yasuharu Sorimachi |
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GAME SUMMARY Nigeria, one of the favorites to win the olympic gold, took a big step towards qualification with a deserved 2-1 victory against Japan. After a fairly even start, the Africans began to get the upper hand and Peter Odemwingie wasted a good chance in the 30th minute when he shot over from very close range following a cross from captain Promise Isaac. Japan’s best chance came in the 32nd minute when Hiroyuki Taniguchi’s low shot from just five meters was incredibly collected by goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin.
Winger Victor Obinna put Nigeria ahead in the 58th minute when he played a one-two with attacking partner Peter Odemwingie in the area before steering the ball into the net. Substitute striker Victor Anichebe added the second in the 74th minute when he shot home a cross after a counterattack. Japan pulled one back five minutes later when forward Yohei Toyoda cut into the box and fired a low shot to beat the Nigerian goalkeeper. |
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STADIUM: Shĕnyáng Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Shenyang) DATE: 10-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 44.951 REFEREE: Stéphane Lannoy (FRA) GOALS: 0-1 (Anderson 3’); 0-2 (Alexandre Pato 34’); 0-3 (Ronaldinho 55’); 0-4 (Ronaldinho [p.] 61’); 0-5 (Rafael Sóbis 90+’) BOOKED: Brockie (44’), Jenkins (61’) |
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New Zealand - Brazil |
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0-5 (0-2) |
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NEW ZEALAND Spoonley Scott (Ellensohn 63’), Boxall, Nelsen (c), Hogg Van Rooyen (Draper 46’), Elliott, Peverley, Henderson Brockie, Killen (Jenkins 46’) COACH: Stu Jacobs |
BRAZIL Renan Rafinha (Ilsinho 66’), Alex Silva, Breno, Marcelo Hernanes, Lucas, Diego (Thiago Neves 72’), Anderson Alexandre Pato (Rafael Sóbis 72’), Ronaldinho (c) COACH: Carlos Caetano Bledorn “Dunga” |
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GAME SUMMARY Brazil showed their true colors by thrashing olympic debutants New Zealand 5-0 and earn qualification into the last eight. After his long period of inactivity in Barcelona, Ronaldinho once more smiled on the pitch and scored two goals, the first with a trademark free kick and the second from the penalty spot. Brazilian midfielder Anderson opened the scoring in the third minute, when he dived for a follow-up header near the goal after his right-footed effort, finishing a solo run, was cleared by New Zealand keeper Jacob Spoonley. AC Milan’s 19-year-old striker Alexandre Pato enlarged the lead in the 34th minute, heading home a superb cross from Real Madrid defender Marcelo. Ten minutes after halftime, Ronaldinho curled a free kick over Spoonley to make it 3-0 for Brazil. Only six minutes later, the new AC Milan player was brought down inside the box and he himself converted the ensuing penalty, sending the ball into the left corner of the net. In injury time, Betis attacker Rafael Sóbis made the fifth goal after a number of consecutive passes by Ronaldinho and midfielder Lucas. |
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STADIUM: Qínhuángdăo Shì Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Qinhuangdao) DATE: 10-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 28.657 REFEREE: Abdullah al-Hilali (OMN) GOALS: 1-0 (M’Bia 74’) BOOKED: Songo’o (20’), Enam (47’), Bebey Kingué (74’) / Claros (5’), Norales (24’), Hernández (58’), Martínez (66’), Thomas (90’) |
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Cameroon - Honduras |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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CAMEROON Tignyemb (c) Bebey Kingué, Enam, Bikey, Ghomsi (N’Koulou 57’) Songo’o, M’Bia, Song, Chedjou (Ollé Ollé 75’) Bebbe (N’Gal 54’), Bekamenga COACH: Martin Mpilé |
HONDURAS Hernández Molina, Arzú, Caballero, Norales (Morales 48’) Padilla (Bernárdez 82’), Thomas (c), Núñez, Claros, Martínez Pavón (Luis López 52’) COACH: Gilberto Yearwood |
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GAME SUMMARY Cameroon kept their qualifying hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over Honduras, who said goodbye to the competition. The Central Americans had their best chance in the second minute, when midfielder Ramón Núñez shot wide from the far post. After this early scare, Cameroon dominated the game and wasted a host of opportunities, until they finally opened the scoring in minute 74 thanks to a right-foot low shot from midfielder Stéphane M’Bia. The Africans should have secured their victory five minutes from time, when substitute Alain Ollé Ollé struck the ball onto the post and Christian Bekamenga failed to convert the rebound ball into the empty net. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 10-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.320 REFEREE: Roberto Moreno (PAN) GOALS: 0-1 (Cissé 3’); 1-1 (Mrdaković 16’); 1-2 (Rajković [o.g.] 24’); 1-3 (Kalou 70’); 2-3 (Rakić 90’); 2-4 (Gervinho 90+’) BOOKED: Angoua (81’) |
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Serbia - Ivory Coast |
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2-4 (1-2) |
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SERBIA Stojković (c) Tomović, Jovanović, Kačar, Rajković, D. Tošić Fejsa (Tadić 61’), Z. Tošić, Smiljanić, Živković (Gulan 82’) Mrdaković (Rakić 76’) COACH: Miroslav Đukić |
IVORY COAST Angban Bagayoko, Angoua, Viera, Wawa N’Gossan (Dja Djédjé 38’), Coulibaly, Kalou (Kambou 87’), Koné Gervinho (c), Cissé (Moura 82’) COACH: Gérard Gili |
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GAME SUMMARY A technically-gifted Ivory Coast comfortably beat Serbia 4-2 to get their first win and keep alive their qualifying hopes. The “Small Elephants” took advantage throughout the game of their outstanding individual technique and attacked with determination. The Serbians also played in open style, leaving their rivals too much space to use. As soon as minute 3, Roda striker Sékou Cissé opened the scoring for the Africans after captain Gervinho had rounded three defenders on the right flank and fed a fine cross. Serbian forward Miljan Mrdaković levelled with a cunning lob in the 16th minute, but Serbia’s joy didn’t last long as defender Slobodan Rajković made an own goal with a clumsy header following an Emmanuel Koné corner.
After halftime, Ivory Coast continued making the most of the empty spaces they created and had more chances, but failed to capitalize on them until Chelsea attacker Salomon Kalou extended the lead in minute 70. Although Serbian substitute Đorđe Rakić pulled one back with a header in the last minute, Gervinho secured the African victory with an injury-time target. |
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STADIUM: Tiānjīn Àolínpĭkè Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium” (Tianjin) DATE: 10-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.016 REFEREE: Michael Hester (NZL) GOALS: 0-1 (Babel 16’); 1-1 (Kljestan 64’); 2-1 (Altidore 72’); 2-2 (Sibon 90+’) BOOKED: Edu (54’), Adu (78’), Bradley (90+’), Holden (90+’) / Marcellis (60’) |
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USA - Netherlands |
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2-2 (0-1) |
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USA Guzan Wynne, Edu, Parkhurst, Orozco Holden, Bradley, Kljestan, Rogers (Altidore 65’) McBride (c), Adu (Feilhaber 80’) COACH: Piotr Nowak |
NETHERLANDS Vermeer Zuiverloon, Marcellis (Makaay 75’), Jaliens De Guzmán, Maduro (c), Emanuelson, Bakkal Drenthe (Sibon 75’), Beerens (Jong-a-Pin 69’), Babel COACH: Foppe de Haan |
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GAME SUMMARY Holland, one of the tournament favorites, kept their qualification hopes alive thanks to a late equalizer against the USA. The Dutch started without veteran striker Roy Makaay, who injured his foot in the game against Nigeria. Real Madrid’s versatile midfielder Royston Drenthe formed attacking partnership with Liverpool winger Ryan Babel and Heerenveen’s Roy Beerens. The US started with their traditional 4-4-2 formation, with three-time World Cup veteran Brian McBride forming a striking partnership with the young talent Freddy Adu. The Dutch controlled the situation in the first minutes and Babel opened the scoring in the 16th minute when he volleyed home a bounced ball after his header from a cross had been initially stopped by goalkeeper Brad Guzan. The US could have equalized in minute 27 when the 19-year-old phenomenon Adu dribbled past three defenders but shot over. Midfielder Stuart Holden had a chance to score his second goal of the tournament in the 40th minute, but his powerful shot from the edge of the area was pushed away by Kenneth Vermeer with an excellent save.
The Dutch goalkeeper also tipped over McBride’s header from Holden’s free kick at the start of the second half. However, the Americans were not to be denied in minute 64, when midfielder Sacha Kljestan dribbled past center back Dirk Marcellis in the box before steering the ball into the net. Only eight minutes later, the North Americans took the lead when substitute forward Jozy Altidore poked home a cross from defender Michael Orozco. The Dutch refused to give up and substitute forward Gerald Sibon scored a free kick in injury-time after he was tackled down at the edge of the box. |
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STADIUM: Shĕnyáng Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Shenyang) DATE: 10-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.756 REFEREE: Héctor Walter Baldassi (ARG) GOALS: 1-0 (Dembélé 8’); 2-0 (Mirallas 80’) BOOKED: Haroun (74’) / Féng Xiāotíng (19’), Yuàn Wéiwěi (41’), Tán Wàngsōng (RC 53’), Zhèng Zhì (RC 64’) [Incidents: Tán Wàngsōng (min. 53) and Zhèng Zhì (min. 64) were both sent off.] |
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Belgium - China |
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2-0 (1-0) |
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BELGIUM Bailly De Roover, Simaeys, Vermaelen, Pocognoli (Mulemo 90+’) Martens (c) (Vanden Borre 78’), Haroun, Vertonghen, De Mul Dembélé, Mirallas (Odjidja-Ofoe 85’) COACH: Jean-François de Sart |
CHINA Qiū Shèngjiŏng Tán Wàngsōng, Féng Xiāotíng, Yuàn Wéiwěi, Lĭ Wĕifēng Zhào X. (Wàn H. 82’), Zhèng Z. (c), Zhōu H., Cuī P. (Chén T. 59’) Jiāng Níng, Gào Lín (Dŏng Fāngzhuó 46’) COACH: Yīn Tiěshēng |
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GAME SUMMARY Hosts China faced an early elimination after losing 2-0 with Belgium. The Europeans opened the scoring in minute 8, when forward Moussa Dembélé broke away the Chinese defense, dribbled the ball into the box, and fired home a powerful left-footed shot. Lagging one goal behind, China decidedly took on the attack. Their best moment came three minutes before the break, when forward Gào Lín faced the Belgian goalkeeper one-on-one, but the opportunity was denied by the defenders as Gào chose to pass the ball to a teammate running towards goal rather than strike himself from the left.
China started fiercely the second half, but eight minutes into the period defender Tán Wàngsōng was red-carded for kicking in Sébastien Pocognoli. The hosts suffered another blow in minute 64 as captain Zhèng Zhì, their midfield mainstay, was also sent off after elbowing Jan Vertonghen. With the home team in disarray, Kevin Mirallas secured Begium’s victory ten minutes from time by calmly slotting the ball into the net from the edge of the area. |
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STADIUM: Qínhuángdăo Shì Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Qinhuangdao) DATE: 10-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 29.455 REFEREE: Thomas Einwaller (AUT) GOALS: 1-0 (Rossi 15’); 2-0 (Rocchi 31’); 3-0 (Montolivo 90’) BOOKED: Kim Jung-woo (20’), Oh Jang-eun (71’), Ki Sung-yong (80’) |
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Italy - South Korea |
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3-0 (2-0) |
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ITALY Viviano Motta, Coda, Criscito, Bocchetti Montolivo, Cigarini, Nocerino (c) Rossi (Dessena 82’), Rocchi (Acquafresca 58’), Giovinco (Abate 77’) COACH: Pierluigi Casiraghi |
SOUTH KOREA Jung S.R. Shin K.H., Kang M.S., Kim J.K. (c), Kim D.J. Ki S.Y., Oh J.E. (Cho Y.C. 86’), Kim J.W. (Lee C.Y. 46’) Lee K.H., Shin Y.R. (Baek J.H. 46’), Park J.Y. COACH: Park Sung-hwa |
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GAME SUMMARY Italy easily qualified for the quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over South Korea. The superb Italian technique was too much for the Asians, and the attacking trio Rossi-Rocchi-Giovinco trounced the Korean defense time and again. Giuseppe Rossi opened the scoring for Italy only 15 minutes into the match, when he struck the ball right into the net after Tommaso Rocchi’s powerful shot rebounded off a defender. The second goal came just past the half-hour mark, when Marco Motta dribbled past two defenders and sent the ball to Rocchi, who fired the ball into the net. With 2-0, Italy controlled the game with their characteristic style, and in the last minute midfielder Riccardo Montolivo added the third goal. |
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STADIUM: Shĕnyáng Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Shenyang) DATE: 13-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 38.790 REFEREE: Héctor Walter Baldassi (ARG) GOALS: 1-0 (Sibon [p.] 73’) BOOKED: Sibon (39’), Jaliens (63’), De Guzmán (82’) / Toyoda (72’) |
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Netherlands - Japan |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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NETHERLANDS Vermeer Marcellis, Jaliens, Jong-a-Pin Drenthe, Maduro (Bakkal 61’), Emanuelson, De Guzmán (Pieters 90’) Makaay (c), Sibon (Zuiverloon 75’), Babel COACH: Foppe de Haan |
JAPAN Nishikawa Yoshida, Morishige, Mizumoto (c), Nagatomo K. Honda (Kagawa 80’), Hosogai, Kajiyama Taniguchi (Morimoto 80’), Toyoda, Okazaki (Lee 86’) COACH: Yasuharu Sorimachi |
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GAME SUMMARY Holland qualified for the quarterfinals thanks to a penalty scored by Gerald Sibon midway the second half. The Dutch victory, combined with the defeat of the USA in the other group match, means that Foppe de Haan’s men will meet Argentina for a place in the semifinals. Despite including all their top guns in the line up, Holland lacked the prowess or luck to score more goals. It was Japan, however, who could have opened the score in minute 36 when Ryan Babel deflected a corner kick into his own goal and Kenneth Vermeer had to make a reflex save. One minute before the break, Dutch forward Gerald Sibon connected a superb overhead kick inside the area, but could only find the side netting.
Right into the second half, Holland had two direct free kicks hitting the crossbar and the left post, respectively. The Japanese also lacked the final touch in minute 55, when a powerful shot from outside the area by Yohei Toyoda was saved by the Dutch keeper, and a Masato Morishige’s shot four minutes later was thwarted by the bar. The Dutch pressure paid off in minute 73 when they were awarded a penalty after Liverpool’s Ryan Babel was hauled down at the edge of the area by Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda, and Sibon converted from the spot. Holland relaxed after the 1-0, but nevertheless could have doubled their lead in minute 86 when Roy Makaay’s volley forced a fine save from Nishikawa. |
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STADIUM: Gōngrén Tĭyùchăng “Workers’ Stadium” (Beijing) DATE: 13-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 48.096 REFEREE: Wolfgang Stark (GER) GOALS: 1-0 (Isaac 39’); 2-0 (Obinna 79’); 2-1 (Kljestan [p.] 88’) BOOKED: Vanzekin (87’) / Orozco (RC 3’), Feilhaber (60’) [Incidents: Orozco was sent off (min. 3).] |
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Nigeria - USA |
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2-1 (1-0) |
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NIGERIA Vanzekin Ambrose, James, Adeleye, Okonkwo Okoronkwo (Odemwingie 68’), Kaita, Ajilore (Ekpo 85’), Obinna Isaac (c) (Anichebe 73’), Ogbuke COACH: Samson Siasia |
USA Guzan Wynne, Edu, Parkhurst, Orozco Holden (Davies 77’), Szetela (McCarty 68’), Kljestan, Rogers McBride (c), Altidore (Feilhaber 46’) COACH: Piotr Nowak |
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GAME SUMMARY Nigeria secured the first place in their group with a 2-1 win against a 10-men US team. The Americans played a man short from the third minute when defender Michael Orozco was sent off for swinging his elbow into Solomon Okoronkwo’s chest with both players wrestling for the ball. In spite of their attacking football generated from their quick and skillful wingers, Nigeria’s first real opportunity didn’t come until minute 18, when US goalkeeper Brad Guzan covered Obasi Ogbuke’s header from a corner. Guzan again stretched to deny Ogbuke in the 32nd after the Nigerian forward had twisted Michael Parkhurst inside-out with a weaving run. Three minutes later, Marvell Wynne found himself free down the right flank, but he hesitated, allowing Nigeria to keep his cross from reaching Brian McBride, with midfielder Danny Szetela free at the top of the area. In minute 39, Nigeria opened the scoring when Ogbuke beat Parkhurst again with a quick sweeping move to go free along the goal line and find Isaac for an easy tap-in. Szetela cleared the ball away from the goal to end the first half, as the US struggled without leading striker Freddy Adu, who missed the match through suspension.
Piotr Nowak brought on midfielder Feilhaber for striker Altidore to start the second half, and the US improved with McBride heading straight into Vanzekin’s hands in minute 49. Kljestan headed Holden’s long ball over goal in the 55th and Szetela’s weak chip over Vanzekin was easily cleared moments later. On the other side, Feilhaber deflected Obinna’s powerful shot onto his own goal in minute 66, but Guzan’s left-handed reaction stopped it. Eleven minutes from time, Nigeria scored what seemed to be the winner when Obinna was sent into the left edge of the area, produced a quick move to leave Parkhurst on the ground and then had the time and space to curl a right-footed shot into the top of goal. In a nervy finish, Nigeria missed several opportunities to seal their victory. Three minutes from time, Vanzekin was booked for a studs-up challenge on Maurice Edu inside the area, and Kljestan converted the ensuing penalty with a low shot into the right corner. The Americans even won over the local fans for the closing moments as they pressed hard for the equalizer. Substitute Charlie Davies headed onto the post a cross from Benny Feilhaber in the last minute, but couldn’t avoid the elimination of the United States. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 13-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 34.160 REFEREE: Michael Hester (NZL) GOALS: 1-0 (Kim Dong-jin 23’) BOOKED: Ki Sung-yong (25’), Kim Jung-woo (86’) |
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South Korea - Honduras |
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1-0 (1-0) |
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SOUTH KOREA Jung S.R. Shin K.H., Kang M.S., Kim J.K. (c), Kim D.J. Lee C.Y. (Kim K.H. 76’), Ki S.Y. (Baek J.H. 72’), Kim J.W. Lee K.H., Kim S.Y. (Cho Y.C. 37’), Park J.Y. COACH: Park Sung-hwa |
HONDURAS Enamorado Molina, Arzú, Caballero (c), Morales Álvarez (Güity 46’), Núñez (Rodas 63’), Claros, Martínez Marvin Sánchez (Padilla 46’), Luis López COACH: Gilberto Yearwood |
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GAME SUMMARY In a game between two desperate teams, aiming for nothing but dignity, only South Korea had remote qualification hopes if they won by more than three goals and Italy defeated Cameroon in the other group match. From the onset, the Koreans tried hard to play an offensive game, but it was Honduras who sliced their defense during the first quarter with skillful short passes. However, this situation quickly changed in minute 23 when Kim Dong-jin scored after a backheeled one-two cross from Lee Keun-ho. From that moment, South Korea mounted fierce attacks against Honduras, creating a series of chances. While the Asians found their rhythm, the “Catrachos” lost theirs, with the exception of several wide shots by Emil Martínez. In the second half, Honduras intensified their offensives, but the lack of organization and discipline made their individual skills fruitless except for some inefficient long shots. South Korea had two clear chances within one minute after the restart, but they missed them. |
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STADIUM: Tiānjīn Àolínpĭkè Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium” (Tianjin) DATE: 13-08-2008 (17:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 47.307 REFEREE: Martín Vázquez (URU) GOALS: - BOOKED: Mandjeck (RC 32’), Bebey Kingué (42’) / Bocchetti (15’), Nocerino (21’) [Incidents: Chedjou missed a penalty shot (min. 15), saved by Viviano. Mandjeck was sent off (min. 32).] |
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Cameroon - Italy |
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0-0 (0-0) |
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CAMEROON Tignyemb (c) Bebey Kingué, N’Koulou, Bikey, Ghomsi M’Bia, Mandjeck, Song, Chedjou (Songo’o 68’) Bekamenga (Ollé Ollé 75’), N’Gal (Bebbe 56’) COACH: Martin Mpilé |
ITALY Viviano De Silvestri, Coda, Bocchetti, De Ceglie Montolivo, Dessena (Cigarini 60’), Nocerino (c) Rossi, Acquafresca (Abate 70’), Giovinco (Candreva 88’) COACH: Pierluigi Casiraghi |
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GAME SUMMARY Italy and Cameroon played out a stalemate to earn qualification for the quarterfinals, although the Africans couldn’t avoid a clash with Brazil in the last-eight round. Italy’s ace striker Tommaso Rocchi, the team's only over-age player, missed the match due to injury, and Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco formed attacking partnership with Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and Cagliari’s Robert Acquafresca. Italy produced the first shot on goal in minute 7, but Giovinco’s low drive from the edge of the area was collected by goalkeeper Amour Tignyemb. Cameroon were awarded a penalty kick in the 15th minute after Italian defender Salvatore Bocchetti apparently handled the ball in the box, but midfielder Aurélien Chedjou’s shot was pushed out by goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano. In minute 32, Cameroon midfielder Georges Mandjeck was sent off for a vicious foul, and from that moment on both teams seemed content and happy to preserve the initial 0-0, enough to qualify. The second half featured few highlights as both sides focused on defense. |
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STADIUM: Tiānjīn Àolínpĭkè Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium” (Tianjin) DATE: 13-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.437 REFEREE: Jair Marrufo (USA) GOALS: 1-0 (Kalou 81’) BOOKED: Koné (46’) / Musialik (75’) |
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Ivory Coast - Australia |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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IVORY COAST Angban Bagayoko, Angoua, Viera, Wawa Dja Djédjé (Kambou 82’), Bamba, Kalou (Moura 90’), Koné Gervinho (c), Cissé (Guié-Guié 87’) COACH: Gérard Gili |
AUSTRALIA Federici McClenahan, North, Milligan (c) (Troisi 86’), Špiranović Celeski (Topor-Stanley 86’), Sarkies, Musialik, Carney Rukavytsja (Simon 73’), Bridge COACH: Graham Arnold |
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GAME SUMMARY Ivory Coast made sure of their qualification for the quarterfinals thanks to a late goal by Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, who shot home a cross from captain Gervinho in a counterattack. Australia, needing a victory to qualify, had a good chance in minute 20, when David Carney cut inside the area and sent a powerful low shot which was pushed out by the Ivorian goalkeeper. In minute 54, midfielder Stuart Musialik’s free kick was also stopped by Vincent Angban. In an open game, Ivory Coast’s best opportunity came in minute 68 when Kalou shot over inside the area a cross from Gervinho. |
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STADIUM: Gōngrén Tĭyùchăng “Workers’ Stadium” (Beijing) DATE: 13-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 53.668 REFEREE: Abdullah al-Hilali (OMN) GOALS: 1-0 (Lavezzi [p.] 13’); 2-0 (Buonanotte 84’) BOOKED: Lavezzi (8’), Banega (43’), Pareja (88’) / Živković (26’), Z. Tošić (63’), Gulan (78’), Tomović (79’), D. Tošić (84’), D. Tošić (90+’ > RC), Rajković (RC 90+’) [Incidents: Di María missed a penalty shot (min. 79), saved by Stojković. D. Tošić and Rajković were both sent off (min. 90+).] |
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Argentina - Serbia |
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2-0 (1-0) |
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ARGENTINA Romero Zabaleta, Fazio, Pareja Sosa (Monzón 68’), Banega, Mascherano (c), Gago, Di María Lavezzi (Acosta 73’), Buonanotte COACH: Sergio Batista |
SERBIA Stojković (c) Jovanović (Tomović 43’), Rajković, Kačar, Kolarov Fejsa, Z. Tošić (Tadić 85’), Smiljanić, Živković (Gulan 68’), D. Tošić Mrdaković COACH: Miroslav Đukić |
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GAME SUMMARY Even without key men like Messi and Riquelme, Argentina convincingly qualified for the last eight with a third group win. From the onset, the South Americans tried to unnerve their opponents with their characteristic quick and short one-step passes, but Serbia withstood their attacks with a solid defense. However, 12 minutes into the game, Partizan defender Marko Jovanović fouled Argentinian midfielder Ángel di María inside the area, and Ezequiel Lavezzi converted the penalty with a powerful shot. Lavezzi almost hit a double four minutes from halftime when his shot flew past Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković but was deflected by defender Slobodan Rajković near the goalline.
Ten minutes after the interval, Serbia had their best chance when defender Gojko Kačar lashed a powerful and dipping shot from outside the area, only to see it fingertipped by the Argentinian goalkeeper. In minute 79, Argentina were awarded another penalty kick, but Stojković saved Di María’s double shot from the spot (the initial one and the replay after a Serbian defender invaded the area). Six minutes from time, striker Diego Buonanotte sealed Argentina’s win when he sent a curving free kick into the top left corner of Serbia's goal. |
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STADIUM: Qínhuángdăo Shì Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Qinhuangdao) DATE: 13-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 31.984 REFEREE: Jerome Damon (SAF) GOALS: 0-1 (Diego 18’); 0-2 (Thiago Neves 69’); 0-3 (Thiago Neves 73’) BOOKED: Hán Péng (68’) / Lucas (90’) |
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China - Brazil |
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0-3 (0-1) |
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CHINA Liú Zhènlĭ Zhào Xùrì, Wàn Hòuliáng, Lĭ Wĕifēng (c) Hāo Jùnmĭn (Shěn Lóngyuán 75’), Zhōu Hăibīn, Zhū Tĭng, Cuī Péng Hán Péng, Jiāng Níng, Dŏng Fāngzhuó (Gào Lín 72’) COACH: Yīn Tiěshēng |
BRAZIL Renan Ilsinho (Rafinha 83’), Thiago Silva, Breno, Marcelo Ramires, Lucas, Diego (Jô 83’), Thiago Neves Alexandre Pato (Rafael Sóbis 46’), Ronaldinho (c) COACH: Carlos Caetano Bledorn “Dunga” |
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GAME SUMMARY Brazil cruised into the last eight with an unbeaten record of three victories after defeating hosts China 3-0. With three of their four starting defenders suspended, China’s remote chances of qualification vanished after 18 minutes, when Diego ran after a through pass by Ronaldinho, dribbled past Chinese goalkeeper Liú Zhènlĭ and sent the ball coolly into the empty net. Brazil continued dominating the game against a local team whose only threat came in minute 37, when Jiāng Níng dodged Brazil’s defenders and struck from the left side of the penalty area, but his effort was deflected by defender Thiago Silva’s outstretched foot. In minute 69, Thiago Neves made it 2-0 with a free kick, and four minutes later he enlarged the Brazilian victory with a left-footed low shot from outside the penalty area. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 13-08-2008 (19:45 h) ATTENDANCE: 45.202 REFEREE: Pablo Pozo (CHI) GOALS: 0-1 (Haroun 35’) BOOKED: Ellensohn (RC 46’), Henderson (48’) / Vermaelen (53’), Simaeys (84’) [Incidents: Ellensohn was sent off (min. 46).] |
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New Zealand - Belgium |
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0-1 (0-1) |
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NEW ZEALAND Spoonley Scott (c) (Tinkler 80’), Old, Boxall, Hogg Jenkins (Messam 59’), Elliott, Peverley, Henderson (Draper 83’) Ellensohn, Killen COACH: Stu Jacobs |
BELGIUM Bailly De Roover, Simaeys, Vermaelen, Pocognoli Martens (c) (V. Borre 68’), Haroun, Vertonghen, De Mul (Mulemo 83’) Dembélé, Mirallas COACH: Jean-François de Sart |
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GAME SUMMARY In a quite lopsided game, Belgium’s only goal was enough to ensure classification for the quarterfinals as group runners-up. The Europeans dominated the whole match with advantage in almost every aspect, and New Zealand should thank their goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley, as well as the Belgian attackers’ lack of aim, for a short defeat. Ten minutes from halftime, midfielder Faris Haroun jumped high inside the area to hammer in a corner for the winner. After the restart, winger Tom de Mul was Belgium’s most in-form man, and he almost doubled the lead in minute 81 when he fired a thunderbolt against the crossbar from 30 meters. New Zealand had a golden chance on 74 minutes, when striker Chris Killen collected a square pass from the left and rounded a defender before firing a sharp shot which was blocked by a diving Logan Bailly. |
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STADIUM: Shĕnyáng Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Shenyang) DATE: 16-08-2008 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 41.043 REFEREE: Damir Skomina (SVN) GOALS: 1-0 (Rafael Sóbis 101’); 2-0 (Marcelo 105’) BOOKED: Marcelo (25’), Diego (33’), Rafinha (45+’), Breno (69’), Ramires (117’) / Baning (4’), Bikey (41’), Baning (51’ > RC), Ghomsi (66’), Bekamenga (70’), Song (79’), N’Gal (93’), N’Koulou (100’) [Incidents: Baning was sent off (min. 51).] |
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Brazil - Cameroon |
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2-0 (0-0;0-0) |
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BRAZIL Renan Rafinha, Alex Silva, Breno, Marcelo Hernanes (Thiago Neves 66’), Lucas, Diego (Ramires 107’), Anderson Rafael Sóbis (Jô 106’), Ronaldinho (c) COACH: Carlos Caetano Bledorn “Dunga” |
CAMEROON Tignyemb (c) M’Bia ( (Ollé Ollé 17’), N’Koulou, Bikey, Ghomsi Songo’o (N’Gal 75’), Baning, Song, Chedjou Bebbe, Bekamenga (M’Boua 88’) COACH: Martin Mpilé |
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GAME SUMMARY Brazil, one of the favorites to win the gold medal, had to wait until extra-time to qualify for the semifinals, even though they played a man up for most of the second half. Both teams began the game with many defensive precautions. Brazil’s biggest threat in the first half came with a free kick taken by Ronaldinho in minute 6, while the Africans’ lone chance was a long-range shot by Gustave Bebbe in the 13th. While Brazil was at full strength, Cameroon coach Martin Mpilé could not count on midfielder Georges Mandjeck and defender Paul Bebey Kingué because of suspensions. To add insult to injury, the Africans also lost regular starter Stéphane M’Bia due to injury in minute 17.
Six minutes into the second half, Cameroon went a man down after Albert Baning received his second yellow card on a foul in midfield, and from that moment on Brazil began to play better and dominate the game, but failed to capitalize before regulation. In extra-time, Cameroon took advantage of a counterattack to threaten in the 95th minute, but Bebbe’s shot from outside the area flew over the crossbar with goalkeeper Renan off the line. In minute 101, Brazil finally broke the deadlock when Rafael Sóbis (who replaced AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato in the starting line-up) took advantage of a well-played through ball by midfielder Diego to beat a defender and shoot past goalkeeper Amour Tignyemb. Four minutes later, Marcelo sealed the Brazilian victory when he found the net with his right foot after a cross by midfielder Thiago Neves. |
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STADIUM: Gōngrén Tĭyùchăng “Workers’ Stadium” (Beijing) DATE: 16-08-2008 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.802 REFEREE: Héctor Walter Baldassi (ARG) GOALS: 1-0 (Rossi [p.] 18’); 1-1 (Dembélé 23’); 1-2 (Mirallas 45+’); 2-2 (Rossi [p.] 74’); 2-3 (Dembélé 79’) BOOKED: Rossi (57’), Viviano (RC 80’), Montolivo (90’) / Vermaelen (RC 17’), Dembélé (85’), Haroun (85’) [Incidents: Vermaelen (min. 17) and Viviano (min. 80) were both sent off.] |
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Italy - Belgium |
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2-3 (1-2) |
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ITALY Viviano Motta (Consigli 81’), Bocchetti, Criscito, De Ceglie Montolivo, Cigarini (Abate 61’ (Candreva 83’)), Nocerino (c) Rossi, Acquafresca, Giovinco COACH: Pierluigi Casiraghi |
BELGIUM Bailly (Ma-Kalambay 68’) De Roover, Simaeys, Vermaelen, Pocognoli Martens(c) (V.Borre 65’), Haroun, Vertonghen, De Mul (Mulemo 90+’) Dembélé, Mirallas COACH: Jean-François de Sart |
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GAME SUMMARY Ten-man Belgium came back from behind to beat Italy 3-2 and reach the semifinals of the football tournament. With only 17 minutes into play, Belgium found themselves in trouble after defender Thomas Vermaelen was sent off for fouling down Italian forward Robert Acquafresca inside the area, and Giuseppe Rossi duly converted the penalty. With one player less and down 1-0, the underdog Belgium went all out to equalize the score, and they did it in the 23th minute when striker Moussa Dembélé headed in following a corner and an Italian defender cleared the ball off the goalline, but the referee controversially ruled the goal as valid. In added time of the first half, Kevin Mirallas put Belgium ahead when he shrugged off Italian defender Salvatore Bocchetti to send the ball into the net.
In the second half, Italy pressed hard for the equalizer and they made their number advantage show in minute 73, when they earned another penalty kick after defender Sepp de Roover tripped Paolo de Ceglie in front of goal. Rossi made it 2-2 from the spot again. But the tenacious Belgians raced ahead for the second time five minutes later through Dembélé, whose ferocious long-range effort left Emiliano Viviano with no chance. Within one minute, Italy were also reduced to ten players when their goalkeeper was expelled following a retaliatory attack on Kevin Mirallas. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 16-08-2008 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 51.366 REFEREE: Jair Marrufo (USA) GOALS: 1-0 (Messi 14’); 1-1 (Bakkal 36’); 2-1 (Di Maria 105’) BOOKED: Pareja (34’), Messi (81’) / Sno (13’), Zuiverloon (107’) |
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Argentina - Netherlands |
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2-1 (1-1;1-1) |
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ARGENTINA Ustari (Romero 75’) Zabaleta, Garay, Pareja, Monzón Messi, Mascherano, Gago, Riquelme (c) Agüero (Lavezzi 99’), Di María (Banega 106’) COACH: Sergio Batista |
NETHERLANDS Vermeer Zuiverloon, Marcellis, Jong-a-Pin (Sibon 107’), Pieters Drenthe (Beerens 96’), Sno (Maduro 46’), Emanuelson, Bakkal De Guzmán, Babel (c) COACH: Foppe de Haan |
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GAME SUMMARY Leo Messi was again the star for Argentina, as his first-half goal and overtime assist gave his country a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Both teams offered an exhilarating game from the beginning, with all the tension and thrill of a decisive game. Although the South Americans enjoyed much more possession and created more chances, the Dutch side did well enough to contain their rivals with fierce physical battle, fouls in every possible situation and sharp counterattacks.
After only 14 minutes, Messi put Argentina ahead when the Barcelona prodigy intercepted a pass before the Dutch area and burst through two defenders before rounding the advancing keeper Kenneth Vermeer to drive home from a narrow angle. Otman Bakkal levelled the score for the Oranje in the 36th minute after a deflected free kick by Evander Sno set him free in front of a helpless Óscar Ustari. The tempo of the game increased in the second half. “Kun” Agüero squandered two clear opportunities, as his low drive and header both missed the target. Holland also created some great chances through Liverpool’s Ryan Babel and Real Madrid’s Royston Drenthe: the former’s curving shot and the latter’s powerful drive could have ended the Argentines, but both went just wide off the post. In extra-time, both sides continued to launch sharp attacts, but the Argentinians made the difference when Messi sent a classy through ball to Ángel di María, who crossed the ball past the goalkeeper. |
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STADIUM: Qínhuángdăo Shì Àotĭ Zhōngxīn Tĭyùchăng “Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium” (Qinhuangdao) DATE: 16-08-2008 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 28.944 REFEREE: Masoud Moradi (IRN) GOALS: 1-0 (Odemwingie 44’); 2-0 (Obinna [p.] 82’) BOOKED: Apam (42’), Vanzekin (77’), Ajilore (85’) / Viera (40’) |
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Nigeria - Ivory Coast |
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2-0 (1-0) |
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NIGERIA Vanzekin Adefemi, Apam, Adeleye, Ambrose Okoronkwo (James 78’), Kaita, Ajilore (Ekpo 86’), Obinna (c) Ogbuke (Isaac 90’), Odemwingie COACH: Samson Siasia |
IVORY COAST Angban Bagayoko (Dja D. 46’), Angoua, Viera (Moura 60’), Wawa (Guié. 87’) Koné, Bamba, Coulibaly, Kalou Gervinho (c), Cissé COACH: Gérard Gili |
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GAME SUMMARY In the African clash of the quarterfinals, the Nigerian Eagles beat the Ivorian Elephants to qualify for the semifinal. With both teams depending excessively on their individual skills but showing little teamwork, most attacks were neutralized by the defenses. On the brink of halftime, Nigeria’s striker Peter Odemwingie opened the scoring when he volleyed Victor Obinna’s pass into the left side of the net. Ivory Coast could have levelled the match in minute 50, when Sékou Cissé sent a low cross from the right wing to striker Salomon Kalou, who shot softly at Vanzekin’s hands. Captain Gervinho’s heavy shot from outside the penalty area in minute 70 was also denied by the Nigerian goalkeeper. Ivory Coast had a few more chances to equalize, but their crosses usually failed to find the strikers at the goalmouth. However, Nigeria didn’t waste their chance and scored their second goal eight minutes from time, when striker Chinedu Ogbuke was brought down in the area by Souleymane Bamba and captain Victor Obinna coolly converted the ensuing penalty. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 19-08-2008 (18:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 56.312 REFEREE: Pablo Pozo (CHI) GOALS: 1-0 (Adefemi 17’); 2-0 (Ogbuke 59’); 3-0 (Obguke 72’); 4-0 (Okonkwo 78’); 4-1 (Ciman 88’) BOOKED: Ajilore (5’), Okonkwo (61’) / Simaeys (41’), Odjidja-Ofoe (69’), Vertonghen (76’) |
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Nigeria - Belgium |
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4-1 (1-0) |
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NIGERIA Vanzekin Adefemi, Apam, Adeleye, Okonkwo Okoronkwo (Anichebe 57’), Kaita, Ajilore (Ekpo 46’), Obinna (c) Ogbuke (Isaac 73’), Odemwingie COACH: Samson Siasia |
BELGIUM Bailly De Roover, Simaeys, Pocognoli Martens (c) (Odjidja-Ofoe 63’), Haroun, Vertonghen, Vanden Borre Dembélé, Mirallas (Ciman 75’), De Mul (Mulemo 75’) COACH: Jean-François de Sart |
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GAME SUMMARY Nigeria qualified in style for the final after dominating their semifinal match from beginning to end with a better organization and accurate passes. Thanks to their superior ball-control and flamboyant breaks of their opponent’s defense line, Wingers Peter Odemwingie and Solomon Okoronkwo poised several serious challenges to the Belgian goal, and Nigeria finally scored one in minute 17 as defender Olubayo Adefemi sent the ball into the net after a corner kick. Belgium, without their top defender Vincent Kompany (forced to return to his club Hamburg), could only take some counterattacks to produce several chances to equalize. The closest one came from midfielder Faris Haroun, whose powerful shot hit the crossbar in minute 54. Five minutes later, Obasi Ogbuke charged out of nowhere with a clean finish to make it 2-0, and the game was literally ended in minute 72 when the same player stunned the goalkeeper with a powerful 35-meter shot. The last 15 minutes became the solo show of the Flying Eagles, and defender Chibuzo Okonkwo scored with another long shot. Substitute forward Victor Anichebe squandered two clear chances to increase the Nigerian tally, but it was Belgium who were rewarded a consolation goal as defender Laurent Ciman scored with a beautiful free kick two minutes from time. |
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STADIUM: Gōngrén Tĭyùchăng “Workers’ Stadium” (Beijing) DATE: 19-08-2008 (21:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 52.968 REFEREE: Martín Vázquez (URU) GOALS: 1-0 (Agüero 52’); 2-0 (Agüero 58’); 3-0 (Riquelme [p.] 76’) BOOKED: Zabaleta (6’), Pareja (63’), Di María (64’) / Breno (19’), Hernanes (32’), Anderson (67’), Rafinha (75’), Lucas (RC 81’), Thiago Neves (RC 84’) [Incidents: Lucas (min. 81) and Thiago Neves (min. 84) were both sent off.] |
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Argentina - Brazil |
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3-0 (0-0) |
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ARGENTINA Romero Zabaleta, Garay, Pareja, Monzón Messi, Mascherano, Gago, Riquelme (c) (Sosa 90+’) Agüero, Di María COACH: Sergio Batista |
BRAZIL Renan Rafinha, Alex Silva, Breno, Marcelo Hernanes (Thiago Neves 61’), Lucas, Diego (Jô 71’), Anderson Rafael Sóbis (Alexandre Pato 61’), Ronaldinho (c) COACH: Carlos Caetano Bledorn “Dunga” |
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GAME SUMMARY “Kun” Agüero was the hero of the semifinal game between Argentina and Brazil, as he scored two goals and won a penalty for Riquelme to complete a clear 3-0 victory in the South American derby. The Olympic Games are the only major title to have eluded the Brazilians, and such is the importance Brazil attached to the contest that Dunga, coach of the senior side, took charge of the team before the tournament. In the personal duel between Messi and Ronaldinho, the Argentinian was an easy victor, as the Brazilian star was barely in the contest. Argentina, who had not beaten Brazil in their last four senior meetings, enjoyed slightly the better of a first half which saw only flashes of inspiration.
Seven minutes into the second half, Argentina broke the deadlock when a typically intricate exchange of passes down the left ended with Di María firing a shot across goal which bounced off Agüero and into the net. Rafael Sóbis hit the bottom of the left-hand post with a 25-meter drive as Brazil looked for a quick reply, but it was Argentina who increased their lead when Messi dribbled his way across the penalty area and found Ezequiel Garay, whose low cross was turned in by the ever-alert Agüero. With fourteen minutes to go, Riquelme added a penalty goal to kill off the Brazilian hopes. Brazil continued to find themselves out of luck when Ronaldinho struck the post from a free kick and Alexandre Pato turned the rebound into the net, only to have the goal disallowed for offside. The Canarinha frustration was complete when Lucas and Thiago Neves were both sent off in the last ten minutes, both for tackles on Javier Mascherano. |
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STADIUM: Shànghăi Tĭyùchăng “Shanghai Stadium” (Shanghai) DATE: 22-08-2008 (19:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 50.705 REFEREE: Thomas Einwaller (AUT) GOALS: 1-0 (Diego 27’); 2-0 (Jô 45’); 3-0 (Jô 90+’) BOOKED: Ronaldinho (26’), Jô (72’), Marcelo (86’), Thiago Silva (90’) |
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Brazil - Belgium |
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3-0 (2-0) |
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BRAZIL Renan Rafinha, Alex Silva, Breno (Thiago Silva 71’), Marcelo Hernanes, Ramires, Diego, Anderson Jô, Ronaldinho (c) COACH: Carlos Caetano Bledorn “Dunga” |
BELGIUM Bailly De Roover, Simaeys, Vermaelen, Pocognoli Martens (c) (Vanden Borre 59’), Haroun, Vertonghen, De Mul Dembélé, Mirallas (Mulemo 59’) COACH: Jean-François de Sart |
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GAME SUMMARY After the disappointment of not qualifying for the final, Brazil won the bronze medal against Belgium. The Belgians started the match in a better mood than their rivals, who looked frustrated, but Brazil stroke first when Diego scored the first goal after a cross from Rafinha in minute 27. Brazil increased their lead just before halftime, when Jô made it 2-0 with a nice header. The second half didn’t see a dominant Brazil playing their usual “samba football”, but instead a more conservative team, and the match became quite unattractive. From time to time, rounds of dull exchanges among the Brazilian defenders aroused catcalls from their disappointed fans. Belgium, with a good team organization and individual skills, had a series of opportunities near the net, but their forwards, very active but little experienced, failed to grasp the chances. In injury time, Jô sealed the Brazilian victory with a third goal. |
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STADIUM: Bĕijīng Guójiā Tĭyùchăng «Niăo Cháo» / Beijing National Stadium “Bird’s Nest” (Beijing) DATE: 23-08-2008 (12:00 h) ATTENDANCE: 89.102 REFEREE: Viktor Kassai (HUN) GOALS: 1-0 (Di María 58’) BOOKED: Di María (74’), Monzón (81’), Riquelme (82’) / Obinna (51’), Apam (68’) |
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Argentina - Nigeria |
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1-0 (0-0) |
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ARGENTINA Romero Zabaleta, Garay, Pareja, Monzón Messi (Lavezzi 90+’), Mascherano, Gago, Riquelme (c) Agüero (Sosa 79’), Di María (Banega 88’) COACH: Sergio Batista |
NIGERIA Vanzekin Adefemi, Apam, Adeleye, Okonkwo Okoronkwo (Anichebe 64’), Kaita, Ajilore, Obinna Isaac (c) (Ekpo 70’), Odemwingie COACH: Samson Siasia |
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GAME SUMMARY Defending champion Argentina retained their title after edging out Nigeria thanks to a second-half goal by Ángel di María. Due to TV requirements, the final was played at a very unusual time under a scorching noon sunshine, which heated the pitch over 40º C.
Both teams started the game very cautiously, with many defensive precautions. The Nigerian defensive strategy partly worked as Argentine duo Leo Messi and “Kun” Agüero were given few chances to touch the ball, being tightly man-marked. However, this tactic also made Nigeria leave much space for other Argentine attackers to come up and break through the defense line, such as Di María. Thirteen minutes into the second half, the Benfica midfielder collected a through ball from Messi and finished with a chip over an onrushing Ambrose Vanzekin into an empty net. After taking the lead, Argentina gave up the midfield and Nigeria had quite a number of chances to equalize. Victor Obinna almost scored in minute 63, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Sergio Romero with his body. Nigeria’s best chance came in a sudden flank attack when Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Ekpo, both charging into the area, failed to catch a beautiful pass from the right side. Messi started to display his genius in the latter part of the game. After producing a dangerous pass to Agüero, he also earned himself a chance in minute 77 when he stole the ball from a Nigerian defender, dribbled past another with a trademark bicycle and struck a left-footed shot which was blocked by Nigerian central defender Onyekachi Apam. Femi Ajilore was given a shot at goal thanks to Javier Mascherano’s hesitation to clear the ball in his area, but the ball flew wide off the post, and then Sani Kaita fired over the bar before the referee whistled the end of the match after five-minute extra-time due to a rare drink break. |
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