Men's Football Final: Argentina retains Gold

Saturday, 23 August 08, 07:13 AM · Comments(0)

Argentina remain Olympic football champions after a goal engineered by superstar Lionel Messi inspired them to a 1-0 win over former champions Nigeria in the gold medal match at the Beijing Games on Saturday.

Messi disentangled himself from Nigeria's tight marking to put teammate Angel Di Maria clear on goal early in the second half of a final played in sapping 35-degree midday heat before a near capacity crowd of 89,102 at the National Stadium.

Benfica's Di Maria chipped over the advancing goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin to break the deadlock and score what proved the winning goal in the 58th minute.
Although Nigeria kept Messi in check for the most part, he ultimately sunk them with his exhilarating skills in a decider twice halted for water breaks for the heat-stressed players.

"We didn't play our best football today but this victory is a good one for us," Messi said. "The fact that we have been to the athletes village and met famous sportsmen, it's all an experience that we will not forget quickly."

Messi added: "It was very tough for me to get here, but it has all been worth it.

“Finally, everything has turned out fine even after all the problems people were talking about. But there is no point looking back at all of that now.

“I knew even before I came here that it would be worth it for me.

kakibangku's verdict: Congratulations to Argentina!

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Men's Football Final: Argentina retains Gold

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