OS Beijing 2008 Paralympics Olympics Pekin

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.

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!

In front of 50000 spectators in Workers Stadium, USA faced China for the last ticket into the final game against the mighty samba.

An early opening goal by Ohno sparked the game…. Both teams creating chances, and showing good skills and team coherence. The 3 times gold medalist had to wait for the 41^st minute of the game to find an equalizer by Angela Hucles. 3 minutes later, and under the influence of the score balancing, Japan’s defensive lineup cracked unable to stop Lori Chalupny in the area, encasing a 3^rd goal for America. Unfortunately, Japs had to go to the lockers with a trail of 2 goals; tough mission to accomplish, thus, they didn’t seem down!

The 2^nd half of the game was also a delight for the crowded stadium and TV viewers, who were watching a very tactical game in midfield, a fierce battle on every ball. 25 minutes of exchanging harassment between the 2 poles, Heather O’reilly scored again with a magnificent left footer that found the corner of the net, giving the States a small chance to relieve tension; it was already 3-1 and only 20 minutes to play. Japan’s offense wasn’t effective, and was being stopped by the 3 times medalist, who only had to get together and to keep the Geishas away from scoring!

They say that the best way to defend, is to attack! And so did Angela Hucles who fooled the Jap. Goal keeper and scored a 4^th hit with only 10 minutes to go.

Eriko Arakawa had to save the Japanese honor, and scored in the last minute, bringing the score to 4-2 with the final whistle.

USA - Brazil, a match that all the football fans are waiting for. With betting sites from one side, and sports news in another, the game’s tickets have already been sold out, and spectators are setting their reminders to be part of the feminine display, filled with class, creativity and performance.

Both sides’ coaches declared ahead of this semi-final, that errors aren’t allowed, neither betting on the opponents’ lack of luck now! Talk is cheap, what really matters are the actions!

Brazil’s massacring the Germans 4-1 is an upside down in football’s planet, a humiliation for the world champions who were totally dominated….

Nevertheless, for every consequence there’s a cause! This time, it was Pele, the legendary football player! Or shall I call her Marta?

The FIFA woman best player of the year, newly surnamed as females’ Pele, and orchestra’s chief, was the architect behind all the Brazilian sketches against the Deutschland

Despite a European strong start, a close defense on Marta and a goal by Birgit Prinz in 10^th minute, the samba girls were nothing but offended, and suddenly… somewhat set them ON! Green light for the yellow jerseys, who responded to the USA’s domination in the first twenty minutes, by a series of attacks where Marta’s intention was to be a magnet for the German defense and pulling them towards her, keeping a team mate free to advance… Germans fell for the trick, and Marta passed a decisive ball to Formiga who settled the score (49^th minute) sending her team into a relaxing break!

What came after the half was twice as good as the 1^st shift of the game. Brazil’s reputation of thrilling the crowds came true once again when Cristianne scored the 2^nd for the canaries.

It was clear that Brazil was full of class and creativity. What else can u expect when you have a Marta and a Cristianne on the field? Germans could do nothing but watch the Brazilians dance and enjoy their times… a joy that was enormous with Marta’s third Goal (53^rd minute) and Cristianne’s extra dot (76^th minute) in a counter attack launched by Marta.

Brazil’s now so close to gold, and plays the winner of USA Vs Japan, while Germans travel to Beijing in a trial to collect bronze.

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!

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.

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