Argentina 2-1 Holland. Post-game reaction: Argentina coach, Sergio Batista said in Spanish in the press conference, "First we're going to see the videos to see how Brasil plays and then we will draw conclusions. We respect them very much like they do us. I think they're worried they will face Argentina, like we are too.
About playing a 120 minute game: "We both had the same exhaustion, a long 120 minute game and the one that is best will go to the final. We came to the Olympics to win the medal and we hope to aciheve it."
About the 2-1 victory today: "Luckily today we achieved an important triumph. We created many goal opportunities that we couldn't convert, but I think we were superior. It got difficult but I am happy with the performance of the team."
About goalkeeper's Oscar Ustari injury: "For us Ustari is a very immportant player, it's an unfortunate injury even though we don't know well what he has. Oscar is important in the game and for the team."
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It reminded me of goalkeeper 'Pato' walking off the 2006 world cup game against Germany with an injury.
Your thoughts?
August 19, 2008
Semi-final 2008 Beijing Olympics
I went on Globoesporte.globo .com to see the Brazilian side of this great 2008 Beijing Olympics semi-final: Argentina - Brazil. They faced each other ONCE in the Olympics. Plenty of times outside the Olympics.
Previous history:
Brasilian national team won in the 1988 olympics. This game can be a revenge for the "hermanos" [Argentina] that lost 3 consecutive finals against its major rival. The game will be the first time both Ronaldino Gaúcho and Messi are in opposite teams since the new #80 of AC Milan left Barcelona.
It will also have a taste of revenge for the "hermanos" [Argentina] that lost the last 2 editions of the Copa América and the Copa das Confederações in 2005 to its greatest rival. This Saturday, Brasil and Argentina needed 120 minutes to go through to the semi-finals.
Now, the South-American classic, "o clássico" is worth a place in the final. In retrospect, the Brasil fans can be confident. In the last 3 decisions against Argentina, Brasil won all three: Copa América of 2004, Copa das Confederações of 2005 e Copa América of 2007. Source: Globoesporte.globo. com
Ronaldinho and Rafinha in Brazil 2-0 Cameroon, QF 8-16-2008. Photo: Reuters
There's always a first time for everything. Argentina has to win on Tuesday and defend its gold medal. Brazil may have the history in favor, but a very unlucky history in the Olympics men's soccer.
Brazil's key players to watch: Ronaldinho:
Will Brazil keep its winning streak against Argentina? Will Argentina win this time?Your thoughts on Brazil beating Argentina recently 3 times?
Argentina headlines after Argentina 2-1 Holland, and go to the Semi-finals in 2008 Beijing Olympics:
"'Messi has Angel: 'La Pulga' Messi gave an excellent pass to Di María, that he coverted and gave the qualification to the Argentina team"- "Olé".
"In any case, the team of coach Batista had the best goal chances and always played as the protagonist: the appearances of Messi were fundamental to win a game that looked harder and harder." --La Nación
"On Tuesday, there's another difficult opponent: Brazil" --Clarín,
Your thoughts?
It's the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Before the men's soccer final on August 29th, the big teams will have a friendly on August 20th. Argentina (v. Bielorrusia), (Japan v.) Uruguay, France (v. Sweden) Portugal (v. Faroe Islands) will all play that day.
The surprise: Mariano González from FC Porto. He hasn't been called up to the Argentina national team since 2004. He's an 2004 Athens Olympic champion.
2 FC Porto players: Lucho González, wasn't called up since March, and Lisandro López
Of course for fowards, no Messi or Sergio 'El Kun' Aguero because they're in 2008 Beijing Olympic squad. Surprised there was no Hernan Crespo.
Here's the 18 man call-up list for Argentina by manager Alfio Basile
- Goalkeepers:
Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe)
Juan Pablo Carrizo (Lazio).
- Defenders:
Javier Zanetti (Inter)
Nicolas Burdisso (Inter)
Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle)
Gonzalo Rodríguez (Villarreal)
Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid).
- Midfielders:
Maxi Rodríguez (Atlético Madrid),
Esteban Cambiasso (Inter),
Mariano González (FC Porto),
Pablo Ledesma (Catania),
Lucho González (FC Porto),
Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munique)
Jonás Gutiérrez (Newcastle).
- Forwards:
Germán Denis (Napoli),
Lisandro López (FC Porto),
Carlos Tévez (Manchester United)
Fernando Cavenaghi (Bordeaux).
- Your thoughts and predictions on this game and the Argentina call-up list of players?
By Milan99, guest post
I'm an Argentina fan and I'm so glad they are in the quarterfinals of the Olympics!!! But I must admit that the Tango were NOT in the form that was expected from them before the Olympics! They are suppose to be favorites to win the Gold Medal!
A 2-1 win against Ivory Coast in their first Olympic game, the same result in the World Cup 2006 but the WC was a whole different win because it was more convincing! While in the Olympics Ivory Coast dominated the game for few minutes. Argentina were not favorite to win the WC but are favorite to win the Olympics!
I had to give Argentina a chance because after all its only the first game. But when they played against Australia and won 1-0, which is more disappointing, I couldn't simply forgive Argentina for such bad results! WHAT HAPPEN TO THE TANGO???
Comparing the Tango results with other teams results like Italia and Brasil both scored 6 goals in 2 games while the Tango scored 3 goals and even conceded one goal! Argentina were favorites before the Olympics now I believe the favorites to win the Gold are Italia or Brasil!!! I'm not sorry for that because I also like the Samba and the Azzurrini, but the Tango comes first!!!
Come on Argentina!!! Come on Riquelme guide the Tango to the Gold!!! Make the whole world dance Tango!!!
- What you guys think of the Olympics results? Are you convinced with your Olympic team results? and who you think will win the Gold Medal??
I just watched Argentina 2-1 Holland. He had 3 great chances to score. One perfect cross by Angel Di Maria, Aguero missed by inches. He was a disappointment because he had chances to score but didn't convert.
1 to 7, how would you rate him? Has NOT scored yet. I don't think coach Batista will put him in the starting 11 against Brazil. Di Maria and Lavezzi deserve his place right now. Each has already scored for Argentina.
-- How do you think Aguero performed in this Olympics?
August 19, 2008
Beijing, Semi-final, 2008 Beijing Olympics
Today Argentina won its quarterfinal match Argentina 2-1 Holland. Brazil beat Cameroon 2-0 after extra time. Best news: the game everyone wanted to see, to obad it is not the FINAL but a SEMI-Final "Argentina - Brazil."
I'm so excited about this game. Messi v. Ronaldinho. The defending champions- Argentina against a team that never won the gold medal- Brazil. I'm going on the Brazilian press, globoesporte, just to see their angle on this great game. Then, Argentinean paper, El Clarin.
Argentina -
In starting lineup:
Angel Di Maria on the left, Lavezzi on the right. Neither deserve to start the game on the bench. Each has scored and are motivated to keep their position in the starting 11. I wouldn't be surprised if Batista leaves Sergio El Kun Aguero on the bench.
Brazil
Who'll score? Will AC Milan's Pato play in the starting lineup? I hope the goals don't come from set-pieces but in action.
---Your thoughts on this great Argentina - Brazil? Prediction for final score, starting lineup?
Argentina 2-1 Netherlands. I prefer saying Argentina 2-1 Holland. Great game. Saw it on NBC live. Narrated by USA's Marcelo Balboa. Here are some photos of the match. Flop: El Kun Aguero.
August 16, 2008- Luciano Monzon of Argentina (L) fights for the ball with Gianni Zuiverloon of the Netherlands during their men's quarterfinal soccer match in the Shanghai Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Photo: REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (CHINA)
August 16, 2008- Sergio El Kun Aguero and Calvin Jong-a-pin in Argentina 1-1 Netherlands Photo: REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (CHINA)
16 August 2008- Diego Armando Maradona watching Argentina against Netherlands during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games quarter-finals men's football match.
Argentina's Angel Di Maria (R) celebrates with Lionel Messi after a goal against the Netherlands during their 2008 Beijing Olympic Games men's quarter-final football match between Argentina and the Netherlands at the Shanghai Stadium on August 16, 2008. AFP PHOTO/LIU Jin
Messi buries it at the back of the net, Argentina's 1st goal in Argentina 2-1 Netherlands . Photo: REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (CHINA)
Argentina was virtually non-existent in the 2nd extra time. Mascherano disappeared.
What did you think of this game?
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13' Messi------ 36' Bakkal
Surprise in starting lineup D i Maria!! nIstead of Lavezzi who's on the bench.
I want a goal from Sergio El Kun Aguero before he is replaced by Lavezzi in the 2nd half.
I'm watching it live on NBC Tv. It's 6am my time, USA PAcific time.
Will be back after the game to put the lineups, and some photos.
Full Time- Sergio El Kun Aguero- Great disappointment. 3 good goal chances, wide not even on target. Bring on Lavezzi. Last 10 minutes all Hollan.d 3 good sohts off target. Drenthe key player.
Your thoughts on the game?
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Men's soccer quarterfinals 2008 Beijing Olympics
3am USA Pacific Time
I'm watching this game live on TV. It's on at the same time as Italy v. Belgium. The 2nd soccer game I'm following today. Earlier I heard online the Benfica 0-0 Inter. This game, people know Argentina will win. The great one is the semi-final Argentina v. Brasil assuming both team win their games today.
The superstars will be in the starting lineup again, Messi, El Kun Aguero. Angel Di Maria back to the bench. Sergio El Kun Aguero hasn't scored a goal YET. This is his chance. I'd like to see him score at least in this game and one goal by Angel Di Maria. I fear Argentina might concede a goal. The defense has looked weak. Monzon goes forward but can't get back quick enough.
Key player: Javier Mascherano to prevent Holland from playing its game.
I predict a 3-2 for Argentina. It's time for Argentina to score 3 goals in one game. Brazil's goalscoring is making the Argentina team look like the underdog.
--- Are you watching the Argentina v. Holland game today live? Your starting lineup and key players? Which soccer game are you watching today?
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A few days before the 2008 Beijing Olympics started, Argentina played a friendly game with Japan. Leo Messi was still with Barcelona in St. ANdrews, Scotland for their pre-season training. Who played in his place? Benfica's Angel Di Maria. Here are some photos of that game. Di Maria scored the winning goal. The game was then suspended because of heavy rain.
The 3 Argentina matches are over. They go to the 2008 Beijing Olympics quarter-finals and face Holland.
How would you rate, Fernando Gago, Lavezzi, and Zabaleta in Argentina's 1st 3 games in 2008 Beijing Olympics?
Some photos of Argentina 2-0 Serbia
August 2008- Argentina #19, Ezequiel "El Pocho" Lavezzi and Serb goalkeeper Stojkovic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: Associated Press
August 2008- Fernado Gago and Serb Simljanic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- Argentina coach, Sergio "Checho" Batista in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- The substitutes bench including Riquelme and Leo Messi in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta and Serb Kilarov in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- Argetina #19, Ezequiel "El Pocho" Lavezzi scoring from the penalty spot in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
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According to El Clarin, Argentinean newspaper, August 13, 2008
Argentina coach Sergio "Checho" Batista decided to protect Messi and chose not to let him play in Argentina v. Serbia. Local fans were disgusted that they left 5 minutes before.
In the post-match press conference, Argentina coach Sergio "Checho" Batista said,
"If the people of China got mad, I apologize. Bad luck. But I thought what was best for the team. We came here to win the gold medal. That's our objective. Not only did Messi not play, but neither did Riquelme, Agüero or Garay."
About Holland 
as opponent
"Very good, to go win the game. They have great players."
- Your thoughts on Argentina v. Serbia? The players in this lineup?
I was so excited to go on El Clarin online and look for the cover. I barely even found the news of Argentina's victory over Serbia. See if you can find it.
The big news is the victory of Boca Juniors and Martin Palermo having a hand at it. Palermo is the big picture in the middle. "Boca y Palermo una noche de triunfo y record" (Boca and Palermo a night of triumph and record)
It's on the Bottom left
- Your thoughts on this cover?
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Except for the 2 missed penalties in a row in Argentina v. Serbia. He had a good 2008 Beijing Olympics, preliminary round.
It's clear Batista considers Di Maria the substitute for Sergio El Kun Aguero. In the first game Argentina v. Ivory Coast, he did help create goal chances for Messi. Argentina v. Serbia- Hard to forget the 2 missed penalties. I'm a fan of Stojkovic's goalkeeping abilities so I can't believe he saved it twice.
---How was Di Maria important in the 3 Argentina games? Does he deserve to be a substitute of El Kun Aguero?
He currently plays with Benfica, in the Portuguese League, Liga Sagres. He'll be missing of course, tomorrow's Eusebio cup. Here's a short interview with him talking about getting back to Benfica.
Pre-season training with Benfica?
Good. I talked a few times with Maxi Perreira. I'm up to date with everything's that's happening. I'm happy because everything's going well and they're working hard.
You're starting pre-season training late, will it affect you?
No I don't think so. It happened last time when I came back from the Under-20 world cup last year. I'm calm. when I go back I'm going to work next to my teammates.
See the 30-second videoclip of him saying this in Spanish with Portuguese subtitles:
August 14, 2008. Click Benfica comprou passe do jogador argentino Di Maria na totalidade
-- How would you rate Angel Di Maria in the 4 Argentina games in the 2008 Beijing Olympics? Are you a fan of Angel Di Maria?
The 3 Argentina matches are over. They go to the 2008 Beijing Olympics quarter-finals and face Holland.
How would you rate, Fernando Gago, Lavezzi, and Zabaleta in Argentina's 1st 3 games in 2008 Beijing Olympics?
Some photos of Argentina 2-0 Serbia
August 2008- Argentina #19, Ezequiel "El Pocho" Lavezzi and Serb goalkeeper Stojkovic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: Associated Press
August 2008- Fernado Gago and Serb Simljanic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- Argentina coach, Sergio "Checho" Batista in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- The substitutes bench including Riquelme and Leo Messi in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta and Serb Kilarov in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
August 2008- Argetina #19, Ezequiel "El Pocho" Lavezzi scoring from the penalty spot in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: EFE
Relive Argentina 2-0 Serbia. I'm a fan of Serb goalkeeper and captain Vladimir Stojkovic. He was superb from minute 70 to 80. Saved 2 penalties in a row. They were not well taken by Benfica's Angel Di Maria. Acosta then came face to face with Stojkovic yet wasn't able to finish and hit it wide. Then, Stojkovic saved a half-volley by Buonanotte. Then, after keeping Serbia in the game when it was Argentina 1-0 Serbia, comes Buonanotte's free kick in the 81st minute and it's over for Serbia.
Stojkovic is currently at my favorite Portuguese club, Sporting CP. He does have an attitude of superiority. Sporting coach Paolo Bento told him to look for another club. He's still looking. This game was to show himself and get a good club.
Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero also showed why he's a substitute. Spilled the ball twice. Once from a corner kick. He's part of the team that won the Under-20 World Cup in Canada in 2007. With that title I wonder why he's not in the starting 11 too.
August 13, 2008- Argentina's Ever Banega and Serbia's Milan Smiljanic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia. Photo: Foto-net
August 13, 2008- Serb Milan Smiljanic and Argentina's Ever Banega in Argentina 2-0 Serbia, 2008 Beijing Olympics. AFP Photo/ Pedro Ugarte
August 13, 2008- Argentina's Fernando Gago and Serbia's Milan Smiljanic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia, 2008 Beijing Olympics. Photo: Foto-net
August 13, 2008- Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov (R) and Argentina's Jose Sosa in Argentina 2-0 Serbia, 2008 Beijing Olympics. AFP PHOTO/PEDRO UGARTE
August 13, 2008- Argentina's Diego Buonanotte Serbia's Nenad Tomovic in Argentina 2-0 Serbia, 2008 Beijing Olympics. AFP PHOTO/PEDRO UGARTE
---Your thoughts on the game? The players in these photos?
Argentina is qualified to the quarterfinals from Group A. He'll rest 2 important players, Riquelme and Sergio "El Kun Aguero."
Argentina Olympic Coach Batista said
"Riquelme and Aguero are two important players. This thing about the yellow cards is complicated and that's why, they will rest so they can play in the quarter-final."
Bastista, however did not say who will play in their place. Argentinean daily newspaper "El Clarin" says online that it might be Diego Buonanotte in place of Riquelme and Angel Di María i nplace of Sergio El Kun Aguero.
Di Maria had a hand in Argentina's only winning goal in Argentina v. Australia. Messi passed it to Di Maria on the left, then Di Maria crossed it to Lavezzi.
Some photos of today's training session
Beijing, August 2008- Lavezzi and "Leo" Messi training at the stadium. Photo: EFE
Beijing, August 2008- Sergio "El Kun" Aguero and "Leo" Messi training at the stadium. Photo: EFE
Beijing, August 2008- Captain Juan Roman Riquelme stretching, will be rested and not play in Argentina v. Serbia. Photo: EFE
Beijing, August 2008- "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," training at the stadium. Photo: EFE
- Your thoughts on these 2 resting, and prediction for the game Argentina v. Serbia?