FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.08.2008 08:12

Gold medal for Messi (1-0)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Argentina have beaten Nigeria 1-0 in the final of the Olympics in Beijing. Ángel Di María scored the only goal of the game after latching on to a pass from Messi.

The Argentina side successfully defended their Olympic gold thanks to a 1-0 win over Nigeria in the final. Leo Messi proved to be the South Americans’ talisman once again, providing the assist for Di María’s goal in the 57th minute. In a game that was played in quite a heated atmosphere, the Benfica player’s goal proved to be the only difference in what was a fairly equal, though not very attractive, contest.

Before the goal, Argentina took the initiative but never really threatened. A Messi led attack and a free from Riquelme were the only chances of any danger the South Americans managed in the first half. The first chance for the Africans came just before the break with Issac missing a great opportunity.

Ángel Di María’s goal, a beautiful chip, forced the Nigerians to stretch themselves and Obinna and Odemwinge came closest to a “Green Eagles” equaliser. Argentina, however, with experience on their side and Messi playing a leader’s role, were well capable of running out the game and achieve their objective for the Beijing Games: Olympic gold.