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19.08.2008 16:54
Messi reaches final (3-0)
www.fcbarcelona.cat
Leo Messi has made it to the final of the Olympic Games after Argentina beat Brazil 3-0. They will face Nigeria for gold.
Leo Messi’s Argentina side is just one match away from Olympic gold thanks to a convincing 3-0 win over Ronaldinho’s Brazil in the semi-finals. A goalless first half was finely balanced but Argentina – coached by Sergio Batista – scored three in the second half (Sergio Agüero min. 53 and 57, and Juan Román Riquelme min. 76). Brazil’s best chance came from a Ronaldinho free kick that hit the post.
Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes but made a limited impression on a tough tackling Brazil defence. Messi spent most of the match in the centre of the Argentine attack.
Argentina must now overcome Nigeria, who dismissed Belgium 4-1 in the other semi-final. The final will be played on Saturday.
Match statistics
ARGENTINA, 3
BRASIL, 0
Argentina, 3: Romero; Garay, Monzón, Zabaleta,
Pareja, Gago, Riquelme (Sosa, min. 90), Di María, Mascherano, Messi and Agüero.
Brasil, 0: Renan; Rafinha, Álex Silva, Breno, Marcelo; Hernanes (Neves, min. 60), Anderson, Lucas, Diego (Jo, min. 70), Ronaldinho; and Sobis (Pato, min. 60).
Goals: 1-0: Min. 51, Agüero. 2-0: Min. 57, Agüero. 3-0: Min. 75, Riquelme pen.
Referee: Martín Vázquez (Uruguay).
BRASIL, 0
Argentina, 3: Romero; Garay, Monzón, Zabaleta,
Pareja, Gago, Riquelme (Sosa, min. 90), Di María, Mascherano, Messi and Agüero.
Brasil, 0: Renan; Rafinha, Álex Silva, Breno, Marcelo; Hernanes (Neves, min. 60), Anderson, Lucas, Diego (Jo, min. 70), Ronaldinho; and Sobis (Pato, min. 60).
Goals: 1-0: Min. 51, Agüero. 2-0: Min. 57, Agüero. 3-0: Min. 75, Riquelme pen.
Referee: Martín Vázquez (Uruguay).
