OS Beijing 2008 Paralympics Olympics Pekin

It took only a single goal, to earn gold. Lionel Messi and friends have been terrific along the tournament in Beijing, and their efforts just paid off. 1-0 the final score, with 5 minutes of additional time ended Nigeria’s hopes of another golden medal.

Argentina just earned its 4^th Olympic medal overall, of which 2 silver rewards and 2 golden medals in a row (2004’s Athens, 2008’s Beijing).

1^st half of the game included chances for both sides: Lionel Messi for the tango team was architecting many deliveries of the ball while Okoronkwo and obemwingie were leading Africa’s attacks. Although Argentina possessed the ball for the longest part of the half, Africans were clearly more dangerous, bidding on a first half opener and a calm break. Blue and White jerseys weren’t that easy, unwilling to compromise in the final game for gold, and opting to revenge their loss in Atlanta’s games.

As the 2^nd half got whistled on, South Americans looked a bit better with an excess of energy, maybe experience too while Africa’s hopes were not being at their performace’s peak.The advantage was rapidly clear on the score board, when Angel DE Maria gave the lead for the tango boys (58th minute ); he was served by Magical Lionel Messi who pulled the defense towards him, leaving a gap, from where he delivered the ball.

Despite the African attempts to find an equalizer, Nigeria was unable to find the back of the net and were always missing on scorers but that didn’t stop them from trying and creating lanes. Sergio Romero, Argentina’s goal keeper made a pretty nice job out there keeping the Tango’s web safe.

Referees signaled 5 extra minutes into the game, and that wasn’t enough to break the South American defensive lines.

TV channels reflected how thankful Football fans are for Barcelona that allowed Messi’s presence in Beijing’s Olympics; the new Maradona’s magic touches were the main attraction in the soccer tournament as he led his nation’s team for gold medals.

Notice that season 2007-2008 seems too promising for Argentina: sports news are pointing at it as the best team in the world, and a definitely winning bet. Despite Ronaldinho’s Brazil, Tangos were leading in the betting sites and panels and that maybe pushed them further more into winning!

Nigeria’s silver medal isn’t much of a disappointment, it’s been a while since the African team has been rewarded; they must be very satisfied with the result especially that they were not in their best shapes today…

Unwilling to go home empty handed, USA stroke again, this time leaving a South American sufferer: Argentina.

Argentina is gold medalist of Athens 2004 Olympics beating USA in final game

At the final whistle, it was 101-81. If you are a math fan, Tango boys will definitely be the toughest rival.

No one has preserved a winning average of 20 points, and it is considered a victory after diminishing the score average of the eagles that was 30.4 points.

Disaster stroke in the 1^st quarter as Manu Ginobili suffered again from his left pre-injured ankle. The Argentineans rapidly found a new leader: Andres Nocioni!

Nocioni who started on the seats, was also distressed from a knee injury but was pulled in for the rescue! At half time, Tango was only trailing by 9 points despite the wounds in its line up and the fact that they scored 10 points more than the Dream team in 2^nd quarter. Luis Scola was the absolute man of the game, leading the score sheet with 28 points and 11 rebounds.

USA’s key to success was in defense by out-rebounding the Southern team 43-32 and in successful offense jumping over the 100 points. Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points leading the US team while Lebron James hit 15 dots.

NBA basketball jerseys will reface Spain in the final match, the winner takes it all. There’s no room for 2^nd place in American Philosophy and that has been clear since the arrival to Beijing. As for the Spaniards, it is pay back time and a chance to take the smiles off the faces of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwayne wade and the rest of the chain; that’s an uncertain bet placed by the Toreros and a pledge to their fans and nation, however, sports betting sites are recording some approvals on the Spanish adventure that’s counting on a bombshell in face of the Dream team 5!!

There’s no other chance despite winning. Brazil and Belgium both with a boiling desire to take the bronze medal weren’t willing to conciliate or let it look easy. Belgium who failed to pass by the Nigerians is semi-finals and Samba boys unable to qualify after falling deep in face of the Tangos were both determined to win.

Brazil that was severely criticized since the beginning of Beijing’s Olympics had to achieve something… and that was the last opportunity for Dunga and his team.

Despite the lack of inspiration, Brazil’s need and desire to shut the sports news criticism off was their only motivation; they stepped onto the field setting their own rules and pressure all along half an hour; Rafinha’s ball feeding and Diego’s finishing managed to find the red demons’ back of the net in the 27^th minute!

The last 15 minutes of the 1^st episode were a bit hush on the Selacao but fortunately found some spaces in the European team and scored again. This time it was Jo who made causalities (45th minute) in Belgium’s line up, sending them into a stressfull break time.

As the 2^nd half was kicked off, everyone was expecting a show time from the Selacao, or at least an equalizer from Belgium to set the game on fire… but that was clearly a badly posted bet on 2 teams whose attacks were so rare, as they spent almost 30 minutes in midfield. Chances of scoring were rare and both teams were bidding on long range shots until Jo scored again with almost 7 minutes to play! Belgium dreams of a medal faded for good with the 3^rd Brazilian goal.

Dunga’s reward of bronze will not be much of a delight for the nation of Samba. For them coming 2^nd is losing. There bidding on gold was vanished in a pathetic game with Argentina and a failure of 3 goals to none.

Thriller game joined the dual striped white and blue teams; maybe the most beautiful match in Beijing until now. Sports news will definitely talk a lot about it, while the thriller movie kept Sports betting sites confused about the winner’s identity.

Un-ended until the final seconds, everything was possible, especially an equalizer for Spanioulis whose ball rimmed out in his way to level the game and go into an over time. Unfortunately for the Greek star, Argentina’s efforts paid off in the end, winning by 2 points 80-78.

Ginobily led the game with 24 points, 6 of 13 from long range. Argentina scored 14 out of 32 from long range.

The semi final will place the USA in face of Argentina in a South American derby… although Argentineans’ chance of winning is scrawny, thus they will be determined to give their fans a first class basketball game.

Some are betting on surprises in the game, placing bids over Argentina who is definitely under huge pressure. Playing against the Dream Team is a bit unfair in the semi-finals; they think they deserve to meet in a final game.

Absolutely, Messi’s game, 3 goals to none !!!!!

Both teams with 4 to 5 defenders guarding the goal close “man to man” double team on Lionel Messi and a closely guarded Ronaldinho.

Argentina and Brazil are both watching over the other’s winning keys now in order to cuff later. Almost 70% of the half was being played in midfield, with a slight advantage to the tango boys, who seemed to be a bit more special on the personal skills level

Blue and white striped jerseys are delivering every ball to Messi, who manages the distribution and planning, aided by Riquelme, the holder of legendary number 10, that once belonged to Diego Armando Maradona, who by the way, was in the VIP section applauding his national  players.

As for Brazilian coach Dunga who was betting on keeping Pato on the bench seats as an additional weapon to use in the last minutes, it was definitely a tensed period with Argentina missing on 2 dangerous occasions.

Brazil had its turn too, but always lacking in number of attackers to finish the ball, and such was the case for the Tangos. As mentioned before, both Southern betting on defense to launch a successful attack.

Brazil has the best offensive line up in

Beijing’s Olympics with 11 goals, and

The best defense with 0 goals brought home

In all 4 games played.

The 2^nd half was a disaster for the Selacao despite the multitude of substitutions, with an obviously better Tango team, scoring 3 goals, to end the yellow crawl towards gold, and to add a new humiliation on Dunga’s team, that had been heavily criticized in the press and sports news.

Pounding all odds and expectations, Argentina’s appetite for scoring was endless, Aguero hitting in the opening (52^nd minute), doubled the score 5 minutes later.

Selacao selection unable to stop Messi’s danger along with Riquelme and friends, earned 2 red cards after Riquelme’s penalty (3^rd goal-78^th minute) coming to finish over the hopes of Ronaldinho who can still fight for a bronze medal.

The stadium was trembling, under the screams and cheers of supporters. Crazy atmosphere was a great set up for a crazy game. Belgium was bidding on her defensive walls that have already beaten Italy’s offensive forces, while Nigeria’s bet was all around its international players.

1^st half witnessed a Crowdie defensive line up on the European side, but no one was really marking an opponent. Missing out on the man to man strategy cost them an early goal by Adefemi in 17th minute. As the teams went into relaxation, sports news was already reminding the readers and TV viewers of Nigeria’s 1996 team that won the gold in Atlanta.

As the 2^nd half was whistled on, everyone was betting on an attacking Belgium, unlike in the 1^st part, but if you want to place a bet, you’d rather think twice!! Nigeria kept on controlling the midfield and its attacks were about to turn into half a dozen goals; luckily the European goal keeper was always there, to do what his defenders wouldn’t do!!

Poor defensive display by Belgium cost them 3 more goals in 30 minutes. Ogbuke scored Nigeria’s second and third hits in minutes 59 and 72, while Africa’s star Okonokwo stroke Belgs with a 4^th goal of pure talent, with 12 minutes remaining.

Being in lead, Africans were just pushing away the ball from their area keeping it safe, with an unorganized and clearly nervous attacking from Belgium, desperate for a goal and earning a free kick that was transformed into a clean hit in the 88^th minute by Ciman, saving what’s left of the honor and pride.

Nigeria will face the winner of Brazil’s game with Argentina, in a superb dual that will be seen on TV by millions around the world. It is jam period in Sport betting sites, while bidding panels’ employees are ordering more sheets and ink to print on!

A wholesome African derby game, joining as one an unbelievable wonderful crowd betting on a happy ending, and hoping to be the very last team to join Brazil’s Selacao, Italy’s Squadra Azura and Argentina’s tango boys into the semi-finals, and benefit from winning at least a medal, and why not? A golden one!

As the 1^st half was going to an end, not much was happening on the game’s field, until seconds from reaching the break, when Peter Odemwingie stroke a VOLET shot into the elephants’ net, giving Nigeria the lead by 1 to null.

After the break, it was a bit different. Cote d’Ivoire managing a chance or two every few minutes, yet incapable of setting the game their way. Unwilling to get the fixture sweep away, the whole team was participating in building offensive strategies, leaving a vulnerable defense behind; scoring a goal was the last and only hope, it’s either that, or going home.

In the 82^nd minute, Cameroonian Chinedu earned a penalty after being brought down by the Orange defender; captain Obinna converted the shot into a 2^nd goal, killing any coasters’ hope of moving on in the Olympics.

Nigeria will face Belgium in the last game before the final! Both nations are eager to step into Beijing’s ultimate game and set a winning history. Sports news affirmed the similarity between Nigeria’s Olympic winners in 94 and Nigeria’s 2008 team. Will Africans win again, and beat any expected odds? Will the dream team of Africa be a nightmare for all Belgium efforts?

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!

Argentina completed the 1^st round by collecting every possible point, 9 dots from 3 games. The tango boys managed to get to the quarter finals along with the Ivory Coast. Lionel Messi, whose country was so thankful for Barcelona that allowed him to play the Olympics is delighting the crowds with his skills, led the Tango boys on Wednesday to set a new Olympic record of 9 successive victories, from which 6 were achieved in Athens 2004 and 3 here in Beijing, China.

Brazil also moved up to the 8 round, with a perfect defensive lineup that kept its goal clean. The 2 South American teams blew away any Asian hope of qualifying, after knocking out China and Japan. Samba will meet the lions of Africa, the Cameroon and Argentina plays in opposition to Holland.

European bands such as Italy, Netherland and Belgium qualified with no surprises. Squadra Azura are proving the fact that the world championship wasn’t earned by chance, and willing to confirm it against Belgium in the quarter finals.

Orange Holland is still sticking to the team work and specific passing techniques, which we enjoyed in the European championship games.

Africa is absolutely proud with 3 nations qualifying to the 2^nd round. Ivory Coast and Nigeria will be facing each others, with 1 to go back home, and 1 to qualify to the semi-finals.

From the other side, Cameroon facing the Brazilian Samba will have to give all they have to stop coach Dunga and friends, and qualify to the semis.

Sport betting sites and bet panels are getting crowded more and more as the competition turns so fierce among the best teams of the world. Ronaldinho wants to show what he’s really made of, while Messi doesn’t want to fail his home country! For bet fans, I recommend revising it real well before outlaying any penny on a team. They are all capable.

Personally, I would “put money on” that football tickets are sold out already for each and every one of these games, and that crowds and atmosphere in the stadiums, will be the best part of the game.