Nothing was decided within the 90 minutes. Just like Brazil’s game, it required an over time, to decide who will meet up the Selacao in semi finals.

Packed with suspense and concentration, Argentina and Netherlands were both unwilling to submit any possession of the ball whilst fighting fiercely to regain any lost control.

Argentina led the game, with a goal from super skilled Lionel Messi(14^th minute) whose style and technique, plus quick thinking were impressing everyone, even the sports news starting to wonder: is Maradona back?

Holland, who’s not used to stand still, started to harass the Tango defense with a high degree of fortitude, getting fluky in the 36^th minute. Now that the score was tied and equal, both teams were playing it out of harm’s way, with no risks in the defensive areas.

Betting on letting the 90 minutes pass away safely, Argentina and Holland were both trying to break each other defenses, in order to finish the game and secure it before over-time, leaving their opponent in a state of shock, hopeless and depression.

Messi was the main nucleus of the game’s joyful moments, with his light moves, fake tricks and ball directing… a combination that paid off in minute 105 from added time, as he delivered a breathtaking ball to Di Maria who magically found himself free to carry the striped white and blue jerseys into a much awaited and anticipated game against Brazil; a match that’s described as the real final of Beijing’s soccer tournament!

South Americans both form a winning bet, mutually and identically capable of wearing the golden medal in China!

Is coach Dunga trying a new strategy, or was trying to set a new sketch? With no Thiago and Pato on the game field, Brazil was looking too shallow! Cameroon wasn’t playing her best games either, especially after being out-numbered by the Selacao in the 2^nd half of the match.

Despite a South American control over the midfield, nothing was worth viewing, except Ronaldinho’s numerous passes and dribbling.

After a 1^st half with no serious substance, no one was betting on a better 2^nd part. Unexpectedly the 46^th minute held the exclusion of Cameroon’s Albert Baning, while mad crowds were starting to react… some were furious because of the referee’s decision, while others were cheering for Pato and Thiago, getting inside the game.

The stadium was finally coming alive again, as the difference of performance was starting to be illustrated, despite a steady score of 0-0 all along the 90 minutes.

Skomina Damir launched the extra time, with Cameroon players struggling to match with the selacao’s domination…. Luckily, their defense was holding on, denying any samba dance within the private rectangle.

The only key to lead was found by Diego who put the ball into the net from a long range shot, unlocking the ZERO score and beating the defensive walls of Africans whose main strategy was counter attacking; a strategy that came up useless with an “indefatigable”  Anderson cutting through every Cameroonian ball.

In a “need to score” situation, Africans used all their remaining energy to attack, trying to get back to the score, leaving a baggy defensive contour, easily exploded by Ronaldinho and Thiago, allowing Marcelo to take the privilege of insuring the football ticket among the ultimate 4.

Brazil’s Selacao will face Argentina, in an eye catching game, and a high voltage risk for betting fans. Both teams capable of creating a blow, sports betting are on the peak. Meanwhile sports news and TVs aren’t waisting any time, in the midst of starting to create and add a rivalry atmosphere to the game.

Stubborn, aggressive, yet fast and technical, both teams put their expertise in action. Belgium was capable of coming back to the game’s score against the Italians who started the carnival with a penalty, converted by Rossi into a 1-0 lead.

Only 5 minutes later, Italian defense looked incapable of stopping Haroun’s equalizer, bringing the game to 1-1.

As everyone were preparing for a 15 minutes break, Mirallas scored again. It was the 1^st minute into stoppage time, sending the Sqaudra Azura to the lockers unhappy about their defensive reputation.

The game was getting more and more physical, as 2 players were sent out. Both team were down to 10, and both of them had to use an alternate goalkeeper. Italy’s was red carded, and Romanian was injured in a ball challenge, getting in contact with Italy’s attacker.

Just like the 1^st Italian opening, Rossi changed an earned penalty into a 2-2 balance (73^rd minute), but his joy didn’t last long; 5 minutes later, Romanian Dembele scored a winner for his country, earning a unique ticket into the semi-finals and beating a huge part of expectations and odds. Betting is definitely unpredictable in Beijing, which is one of the most stunning championships, when it comes to surprising results.

Japan was so confident, after winning 5-1 in a knocking game against Norwegians. As for the host China, they are certain of their performance, after leading their group.

In conclusion, it is a game of bones breaking between the 2 Asian giants, with a slight advantage in favor of the dragons, with a huge number of supporters cheering and encouraging them. But, the Japs were relaxed, like playing back home, with a dazzling style. China could hold for more than a quarter of an hour, as Nadeshinko’s star Hawa opened the score, while the stadium became really quiet and supporters hushed.

The 2^nd half of the game was in favor of the Chinese, but not so efficient to menace the facing goal keeper.

In the 79^th minute, geishas’ speed and coherence paid off, when Yugi Nakasato doubled the score.

Beck Christine’s final whistle iced up the 2-0 gain, leaving a crying disappointed dragon on the grassy field, heartrending supporters and millions of sad faces watching in on TV.

After the TV sports news and betting sites made it clear about their disappointment from the Chinese men teams’ performance, girls turned out to be a little bit better in saving China’s honor!

Both teams were cautious, and much alerted. Exchanging balls with no specific purpose, or drawn plans, it came up clear that everyone was betting on the other to take the 1^st step. 90 minutes of low level soccer jaded the crowds in Shenyang Olympic stadium.

Dagmova Dakmar ordered the kick off: this is over-time, and the boring process seemed infinite.

Odds were all thrown away, as German selection scored twice in the extra time. Kerstin(105^th) And Simone Laudehr (115^th) held Deutschland up in score, earning a ticket into the semi finals.

Germans will have to face Brazil, for the passage into the final game. With both teams looking like a winning bet to stand up tall with gold, some Sports news concluded that it’s an early final.

Individually, I wouldn’t bet on 1 team, knowing the United States ladies are also capable of making a good game, both physically and mentally

United States facing Canada, is nearly a game between neighbors, as they meet in Shanghai stadium.

American player Hucles scored in the 12^th minute, too early for Canada that was already trailing in score, and apparently missing on individual skills.

Canadians were counting on a tight defensive strategy, to stop the Americans from invading the red zone locale leaving no chance for luck. Half an hour later, Canucks took advantage of rare bad clearance, to put the ball in the net, bringing the score to 1-1 (30^th minute).

Rest time held a lot of advices for both teams, from both coaches. Luckily for the States, substitute Natasha Kai scored the winning goal 11 minutes after launching the extra time.

Canada with nothing to lose, remained focused, and almost took the game by hand, other than the trial faced a great save from Solo, keeping things safe and under control.

Shannon Boxx just ended her 100 game with the national team. What a great way to celebrate: a win along with a semi final ticket

The referee calls the game ON HOLD after heavy rain embedded the football field, followed by a severe lightning hitting the game’s field. I bet no one expected such a thing, as dangerous as spectacular. The game should resume when the umpire thinks it’s possible and safe.

Brazil’s dynamic triple-act Cristianne, Daniela and Marta were up to the level in the game against Norway that’s coming out of a huge defeat against Japan by 5 goals to 1. Between the personal skills of samba girls, and the tactical capabilities of Norway’s ladies, this game was definitely a great mixture of 2 different football schools, and a pleasure for the crowds in Tianjin Olympic Sports Center Stadium.

Marta is considered as the world best football woman ever, with just 22 years of age, and is leading her team along with Daniela who gave the lead to the yellows in the 1st minute after the restart (45^th minute).

The world’s phenomenon, Marta, added the 2^nd goal(57^th minute), to put brazil in a comfortable lead, after missing a bright chance to extend the lead, sending Cristianne’s passed ball over the bar.

Norway’s team wasn’t willing to give up, and formed a series of attacks towards the Brazilian goal despite being obliged to return for defense, betting mostly on counter attacks. Conservative tactic paid off in the last 10 minutes of the game, as their bet paid of: an earned penalty kick was transformed into a Norwegian goal in the 82^nd minute by Siri Nordby coming off the bench and hitting the Scandinavians only goal.

Marta and friends are moving up on the scale, and impatiently waiting for their opponent in the final 4.

Auriverde’s strong determination is crystal clear on the field, unwilling to bet except on gold. Odds of witnessing a HOT final 4 are really high, with the best teams of Beijing’s Olympics starting to face each others.

This was the host’s last hope to qualify; it was a win-win condition for the Asians who have only gained a single point in group C, till now.

China has to win against the mighty Brazilian lineup, that didn’t stop amazing the crowds, especially Chinese crowds who were confused either to applause for their local favorites, or for the Brazilian illustrations, and “chef d’oeuvre”.

Playing without their captain zheng zhi, China was striving to get into the Brazilian red zone, and depended on their left wing, but couldn’t get the ball to a happy ending. From the other side, Brazil’s Ronaldinho was playing the role of jobs distributor, putting plans, drawing tactics and delivering superb passes, leaving the Chinese defense without further to do.

A 1-2 (give and take) technical glide among Brazilians, showed how much harmonizing they are and how smooth they can infiltrate between the Chinese defenders, and get the 1^st goal by Diego (14).

Thiago scored the 2^nd Brazilian goal, from a downtown cruising shot that settled in the net, in the 55^th minute. The 79^th minute also held a spectacular left foot shot, from Thiago himself, to give Brazil its 18^th point in the group, and the qualification to the next round.

China players were on another planet against the samba boys, as coach Dunga sent his bench staff on the field after half time.

Brazil will play the lions of Africa, Cameroon, in the quarter finals, this 16^th of the month.

1996 Olympic champions are looking well determined through their games, reaching the quarter finals after their hard triumph, maybe undeserved, against a 10 men American team.

Lions of Africa were already having an additional player on the field, as America’s Orozko got red carded by referee Wolfgang Stark after hitting Nigerian Okoronkwo with the elbow, in an unjustified manner and violence.

The Yankees managed to keep on fighting; focusing on defense, but Isaac Promise opened the score in the 39^th minute, supported by another goal, by Obinna in the 79^th minute. The states team desperate for a win, attacked in the remaining time, despite the number disadvantage, and managed to set their only goal of the game, by penalty in the 88^th minute (sacha kljestan).

More than 48000 spectators attended this game, and the ambiance was fabulous despite the elimination of the blues. Africa’s heroes are now in the 2^nd round, hoping to repeat the achievement of 1996.

I wonder what the bet panels and bet sites have to say about that, especially that a team like Nigeria can not be under estimated.