 Argentina gets Olympic gold medal in men's football
At Beijing Olympic Games, Argentina has retained its gold medal in men's football after defeating Nigeria in Saturday's final.
Sources have thrown more light on this news. As per their reports, Di Maria, who is guilty of a remarkable double penalty-miss in a group game against Serbia, cleared the Nigeria defense and clipped the ball over Ambruse Vanzekin in the 58th minute.
Playing in the searing heat, the Argentina footballers have survived a sweltering half hour of Nigerian pressure to cling on for victory.
It reminds one of the 1996 final, where Nigeria won 3-2 thereby becoming the 1st African team to win the tournament.
The Olympic soccer tournament is restricted to under-23 teams with everyone is permitted to field up to three over-age players.
The first half was played at walking pace showing no clear cut chances before a much-needed water break on the half hour.
Peter Odemwingie created Nigeria's first opening shortly afterwards when he broke down the left and sent a low ball across the face of the goal but Promise Isaac just failed to make contact.
Di Maria then produced Argentina's first real effort with an out-swinging 25-metre shot which was turned away by Vanzekin.
Vanzekin also had to be quick to dive at the feet of Sergio Aguero after being free by an insightful Lionel Messi pass after the restart. Messi then had a shot fisted away by Vanzekin before setting up the goal.
The Barcelona player slipped a pass to Di Maria who broke clear on the halfway line and beat Vanzekin with an exquisite finish.
Nigeria sprang to life as Victor Obinna had a shot saved by Sergio Romero. Also Nicolas Pareja saved Argentina by blocking the efforts of Victor Anichebe after Promise Isaac pulled the ball back from the byline.
Nigeria was agonizingly close when close-range effort of Anichebe was saved by Romero in his 2nd attempt.
In between, Messi was thwarted by tackle from Apam Onyekachi in the last minute. |
News / Gossips by musssy13
