Four reasons why Nigeria lost to Germany yesterday

What Germany showed in the 2-0 win was that we (Africa in particular) still do not understand the real dynamics of football and team preparation. Our coaches think football is just about playing a certain formation that allows eleven players running around the pitch for 90 minutes. 

They fail to understand that football is like a political game or race. You need to plan ahead by looking for errors or loopholes to capitalize on to cause first class damage to your opponents. 

Horst Hrubesch (Germany's coach) knew that the Nigerian strength was attack and press so he planned and successfully negated these strengths. But how did he achieve it? Yesterday I Pointed out five things we can capitalize on to wreck havoc on the Germans.

They got an early goal

The only game that the Dream Team had gone behind before Wednesday’s loss to Germany was their third group game against Colombia, and they also lost 2-0.  So Hrubesch set out his players to get an goal, knowing that the Nigerians would be slow to respond. 

This worked based on the two major absentees. There was no Azubuike Okechukwu to pass the ball from defence into attack and there was no direct running from Oghenekaro Etebo.

They stopped Mikel From dictating play 

Hrubesch knew that the more time Mikel Obi had on the ball, the more influence he would have on the game so they set out to ensure that he did not have time on the ball.  Mikel was fouled nine times – the most by any of the players that started the match and not by the same player.

They used the one-two pass to great effect

They detected that the Nigerian team do not have great Chemistry and tactical coordination so they used their movement and tactical awareness to move the ball from one point to the other – making the players that should have been the offensive lynchpins to concentrate more on tracking back to help their team. One of such was the opening goal when Imoh Ezekiel switched off and his team was punished.

They fouled tactically not foolishly 

Anytime they saw that the Dream Team were about to get up a steam, they fouled and stopped the play, especially in the second half. They knew that they could not physically compete with the Nigerians so they ensured that their fouls were given away in the middle of the pitch. Check out Sven Bender’s foul on Mikel when there were acres of space in front of the Nigerian.

Many would conclude the loss of both Okechukwu and Etebo caused collateral damage to the team, which could be true but the other truth is that the Germans were tactically superior in all departments. And we still have a lot to learn!

We failed to use the wings

In my pre match post I said that the Germans are so good in the midfield that we cant take control in the midfield. I pointed out the major deficiency they had,which is a shaky right and left full backs.

If coach Siasia had instructed Aminu Umar and Imoh Ezekiel to force play from the wings, we would have seen numerous errors from them.

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Nigeria to play Denmark in the Q/finals after Colombia loss

Colombia has joined Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the Rio Olympics Men’s football event after beating the West Africans 2-0 in Sao Paulo.

The South Americans were clinical as an early first half goal by captain Teofilo Gutierrez and a second-half penalty from Dorlan Pabon prove to be enough.

Dream Team VI manager Samson Siasia as expected rested some key players but surprisingly started Captain Mikel Obi and topscorer Oghenekaro Etebo after already securing top spot.

The Los Cafeteros took a fourth minute lead as unmarked Sporting Lisbon forward Gutierrez volleyed a cross from Pabon past Daniel Akpeyi who was making his first appearance in goal for Nigeria in the tournament.

The Colombians continued to pile pressure on the Nigerian defence as they grew in confidence – Akpeyi denied Harold Preciado’s close-range header before Pabon put his efforts wide.

The Dream Team VI created opportunities of their own as Roma striker Sadiq Umar played Oghenekaro Etebo through on goal but he wasted the chance after finding himself free at the back post.

The former Warri Wolves had another chance but Cristian Bonilla in goal for Colombia saved comfortably from his well-struck freekick. However, it was Colombia that increased their lead in the second half as Dream Team VI goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi brought down Preciado and Pabon took the resultant penalty which he converted effortlessly for 2-0.

The reward for the empathic win over Nigeria is a clash against hosts Brazil in Sao Paulo as they finished second in Group B with five points while the Dream Team VI topped the log with six points and will travel to Salvador on Saturday to play Denmark.

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Honduras sends Argentina out of men’s football event of the Rio Olympics

Argentina are out of the running in the men’s football event of the Rio Olympics having failed to get the needed win over Honduras on Wednesday.

Argentina needed to win to stay in contention in Rio but the South Americans could only force out a 1-1 draw agaisnt the Honduras team that have now progressed to the quarter finals alongside Portugal who finshed top in Group D with 7 points.

In dramatic fashion, Bryan Acosta and Angel Correa missed penalties either side of half-time for Honduras and Argentina respectively, only for Antony Lozano to make it third time lucky.

Mauricio Martinez’s injury-time goal was too little too late as the Albiceleste crashed out.

With the 1-1 draw, Honduras have repeated their feat of four years ago when they made it this far in the men’s football event in London.

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Olympic roundup: Host nation Brazil booed off after another 0-0 draw; Mexico avoid disaster, Nigeria progress, South Africa losses and Algeria eliminated in Men's football event

A roundup of all the latest action from the 2016 Olympics in Brazil…

Brazil 0-0 Iraq

Remember when Brazil’s men’s national teams were good? It’s been a while, and it only got worse Sunday night as, for the second time these Olympics, the host nation was held to a 0-0 draw. There were boos after the opening downer against South Africa. There were more boos when the scoreless streak reached 180 minutes against Iraq.

With one game left in Group A play, Brazil would still win the group with a victory over Denmark, but it wasn’t supposed to come down to that. Neymar didn’t skip Copa America 2016 for this.

Fiji 1-5 Mexico

At halftime, Mexico found themselves 1-0 down to Fiji, thanks to Roy Krishna’s opener in the 10th minute. After 13 minutes of the second half, they were 3-1 up and Erick Gutierrez had himself a hat trick. Carlos Salcedo added a fourth and Gutierrez added Mexico’s fifth, his fourth of the game. Disaster averted.

Germany 3-3 South Korea

Arsenal’s Serge Gnarby scored twice for Germany and Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min bagged one of his own as Germany and South Korea went back and forth in an absolutely bananas 3-3 draw. The longest period of time that a lead lasted in this game: eight minutes. Germany went 2-1 through Davie Selke in the 55th minute, but Son hit back two minutes later. Suk Hyun-jun put South Korea 3-2 ahead in the 87th minute, but Gnarby equalized in the 92nd minute. South Korea are level with Mexico on four points at the top of Group C, with Germany two points back in third. Germany will face Fiji in the finale, which means it’s Mexico for South Korea.

Japan 2-2 Colombia

Teo Gutierrez scored and Hiroki Fujiharu contributed an own goal to put the Colombia 2-0 ahead after 65 minutes, but the lead was halved just two minutes later and erased completely seven minutes after that. With Group B-topping Nigeria still to play in the finale, progression into the quarterfinals is in serious doubt for the Colombians.

Elsewhere in Olympic action

Denmark 1-0 South Africa

Nigeria 1-0 Sweden

Sweden 0-1 Nigeria

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Algeria eliminated from Olympics football event after defeat to Argentina

Argentina saw off a hard fighting Algerian side 2-1 as both sides finished with ten men at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during Sunday’s Men Olympic Football event.

Angel Correa put 10-man La Albiceleste in front moments after the break, before Sofiane Bendebka equalised just after the hour mark. Victor Cuesta’s red card had reduced he South Americans to ten men before aking he lead.

Ayoub Abdellaoui then levelled the playing field by picking up his second booking, with Jonathan Calleri grabbing Argentina’s winner minutes later.

Despite Argentina having much of the opening exchanges in a rather low-tempo first half, it was Algeria who had the standout chance of the first period. Baghdad Bounedjah was sent clear by substitute Mohammed Benkhemassa, with the Algeria No7 finding himself one-on-one with Geronimo Rulli. The forward tried to loft the ball over the Argentinian keeper, but Rulli was equal to the effort.

Seconds before the half-time whistle, Argentina captain Cuesta received a second booking for hauling down Bounedjah and was dismissed.

Any hopes that Algeria would immediately capitalise on the man advantage were dashed just after the interval. A hopeful long ball upfield was flicked on by a combination of Jonathan Calleri and his marker, with Correa racing onto the loose ball and calmly hitting a left-footed shot past Chaal.

With Argentina looking in control, Mohammed Benkablia was teed up by Bendebka, with the No9 firing wide. Bendebka would not be so wasteful moments later. The NA Hussein Day midfielder sprung the offside trap and calmly slotted past Rulli to stun La Albiceleste.

Algeria were their own worst enemy minutes later, with Ayoub Abdellaoui sent off for collecting his second yellow card after catching Cristian Pavon with a high boot. With Les Verts reorganising their defence, Julio Olarticoechea’s side pounced.

Giovanni Lo Celso worked the ball down the Argentinian left, finding Calleri on the edge of the Algerian box. The forward exchanged passes with Correa, before lifting the ball over the onrushing Chaal.

Argentina face Honduras in a winner-takes-all clash for second place in Group D on Wednesday.

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Neymar face shock exit from OLympic as Brazil struggle again

Hosts Brazil are set for a shocking and embarrassing exit from the football event of the Olympic Games after they were held again, this time by Iraq.

The Brazilians were held to a 0-0 draw by the Iraqis, just like they were against South Africa in their first game.

Star player Neymar and co were frustrated as they could not break down the defence of the determined Iraqis in a performance which was met by more boos from the home fans.

The hosts now have just two points from a possible six from their opening games and must now win their final group game to stand a chance of progressing to the quarterfinals.

Neymar was the star turn in a Brazil side which also featured Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos among a host of big names.

There were scenes of jubilation from the Iraq players as the full-time whistle sounded as fans in the stadium made their feelings heard.

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Rio 2016: Sadiq Umar’s Header fires Nigeria Into Quarter-Finals

AS Roma youngster Umar Sadiq scored the only goal of the game for the national U-23 team, Dream Team VI,  as they defeated‎ Sweden 1-0 in their second group game played at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus to seal a place in the quarter-finals of the men’s football event of the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Sadiq, who impressed a lot of ‎fans during the 5-4 win over Japan, headed in left-back Stanley Amuzie’s cross in the 39th minute for what turned out to be the winning goal. Samson Siasia’s team have now amassed the maximum six points from two games played and would be hoping ‎to seal top spot in the group with at least a point against Colombia in their last group game.

It was sweet victory for the U-23 team, as they continue in their quest to do Nigeria proud in the ongoing summer Olympic Games. Nigeria become only the second team to qualify for the knock-out stage as they joined Portugal in the last eight.

Dream Team VI Starting XI: Emmanuel Daniel; Shehu Abdullahi (Ndifreke Udo 88′), William Troost-Ekong, Sincere Seth, Stanley Amuzie; Musa Mohammed, Azubuike Okechukwu, John Mikel Obi (Kingsley Madu 80′), Oghenekaro Etebo, Imoh Ezekiel; Umar Sadiq (Aminu Umar 74′)

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Match Preview: Nigeria vs Sweden. (Kickoff 11pm tonight Nigeria time) Also Read Players to watch

By Chinedu Laurel Okorodike  
Follow me on Twitter via @laureldpundit
and Instagram via @laureldpundit

Time 

Kickoff is set for 11pm  Nigeria time (Sunday). 

Overview

Nigeria began their Olympic campaign with an entertaining 5-4 win over Japan and will be keen to continue their momentum when they face Sweden on Sunday. Despite arriving in Brazil just six hours prior to kick-off, the Super Eagles remained focused and dispatched the Asian U23 champions, in a game that saw both teams struggle defensively.

Samson Siasia's side had Oghenekaro Etebo to thank after the midfielder scored four of Nigeria's five goals. They will be hoping to tighten up at the back when they face Sweden on Sunday, after conceding four goals against Japan. Nigeria won their only gold medal 20 years ago at Atlanta 1996, following which they have managed just one silver medal, which was at Beijing 2008.

Sweden, meanwhile, played out a 2-2 draw against Colombia in their opening encounter and sit in the second place on the table two points behind Nigeria. The Swedes are only making their second appearance, with their previous outing coming in the 1992 games in Barcelona when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

It is the first time Nigeria and Sweden are meeting in the Olympics, but the Swedes hold an advantage in the head-to-head record between the two nations.

Mikel on Saturday attributed the Nigeria U-23 victory over Japan in their first group match to the goodwill of Nigerians who were solidly behind the team and the grace of God while he also remains positive that the same spirit will see the team through.

Given their arrival to the venue a few hours before the game, many gave an outside chance of winning the match, the best they hoped on was a draw but Mikel inspired his mates to post a dramatic 5-4 win over the Japanese.

“We thank God and millions of Nigerians who stayed awake till late to cheer us. It was not an easy match, we are grateful for their goodwill and support that gave us victory, our focus is now on the next match against Sweden’’ said Mikel.

Nigeria will play Sweden on Sunday at 11pm at the   40, 549 capacity Arena da Amazonia, Manaus, the same stadium where they defeated Japan.

The defence featuring William Troost-Ekong, Sincere Seth and Stanley Amuzie were out of their depth against Japan.

Amuzie, gave away a penalty, that aided the Japanese fight back. However, after training on Friday the players showed some promise. But how they cope with the Swedes who made Colombia sweat for their equaliser remains to be seen. Their strikers Mikael Ishak and Astrit Ajdarevic were on target in the 2-2 opening day draw with Colombia.

But Nigerians can expect another fluid movements from strikers Oghenkaro Etebo and Roma youngster Sadiq Umar. The Roma player made a bright start to his foray with the team with a goal and also provided an assist and won a penalty.

Nigeria currently atop of Group B with three points while opponents Sweden hold a point after 2-2 opening draw against Colombia.

In the other Group B clash, Japan face Colombia  at the Arena Amazonia, Manaus.

Nigeria Players to watch

Etebo Oghenekaro 

Etebo Oghenekaro 

20 years Old Etebo Oghenekaro was a thorn in the flesh of the Japanese team in Nigeria's opening match. The former Warri Wolves striker scored 4 goals in the match as Nigeria won 5-4. Watch out for him to continue his forward dazzling run against Sweden tonight.

Sadiq Umar

Sadiq Umar

Sadiq Umar forward runs and hold up play was like a hot iron for the Japanese side to handle. Expect the As Roma striker to continue his brilliant run today. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall and is always a threat when it comes to aerial balls. 

I have been following him right from his time in the As Roma academy and I know what he can offer. 

Captain Mikel Obi

Mikel experience will be needed against the Swedish team tonight who also boost of an experience defence marshaled by Milosevic. Against Japan Mikel played in an attacking position in the midfield. 

If coach Samson Siasia can heed to my plea and deploy him to his preferable defensive midfield position, it will go a long way to help protect the defense marshaled by William Troost Ekong

William Troost-Ekong

Against Japan William Troost-Ekong looked shaky. But I can pardon him because he was the first player to move to Brazil from his base in Belgium. So he hardly trained with the team during their camping in Atlanta.

He flew to Brazil on the 24th of July ahead of Nigeria's first match which was played on the 5th of August against Japan. I expect him to be more stable against Sweden tonight as he should be more accustomed with his teammates by now.

My Prediction

Nigeria to book their place in the knockout stages.

Team News

Nigeria – possible XI: Akpeyi (GK) ; Shehu, Madu, Amuzie, Troost-Ekong ; Mikel, Etebo, Mohammed ; Junior, Ezekiel, Umar.

Sweden – possible XI: Linde (GK); Milosevic, Lundqvist, Konate, Nilsson; Tibbling, Khalili -Tankovic , Ajdarevic, Quaison; Ishak

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Mikel and co. boosted by Aminu Umar arrival

The Nigeria Olympic football team now has a full complement of all 18 players listed for the Rio Olympics following the arrival of striker Aminu Umar.

Umar, who plays for Osmanlispor in Turkey missed Nigeria’s opening day win over Japan due to club engagements but has now joined the rest of the squad at their base in Manaus, fcnaija.com can confirm.

There were fears the former Nigeria U20 striker would miss the Games outright after failing to join the Nigerian team in their training base in the United States of America, but his arrival now means Coach Samson Siasia now has a full complement of the 18 players on the main list.

Nigeria defeated Japan 5-4 in their first game in the early hours of Friday, despite arriving Brazil just over six hours to kick-off.

They are currently top of group B with maximum points after the first round of matches, and face Sweden on Sunday night in their second game of the competition.

The Dream Team, as the Nigerian Olympic team is called, won gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, and silver in Beijing in 2008.

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Rio Olympics: Brazil women football team through to quarters Finals of Rio Olympics

Brazil cruised into the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament quarter-finals with a 5-1 victory over Sweden at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Three first-half goals from Cristiane, Beatriz and Marta set the Rio 2016 hosts on their way, before the latter pair doubled their tallies for the evening in the second half, with Lotta Schelin grabbing a late consolation.

In the opening moments, Brazil fed off a noisy Rio crowd and, inspired by Marta, took all the attacking initiative. Beatriz opened the scoring with an opportunistic effort. A hopeful lofted through ball was not dealt with properly by Nilla Fischer, before Emma Berglund left the ball to Hedvig Lindahl allowing the Brazilian No16 to steal in and poke home.

Brazil doubled their advantage moments later. The hosts worked the ball down the left-hand side to Marta, who drilled a low cross into the path of Cristiane who flicked the ball into the net via a Fischer deflection.

After more concerted pressure, Vadao’s side were three-up by the break. Magdalena Eriksson brought down the livewire Cristiane. Marta – fresh from parading the Olympic flag Opening Ceremony just 24 hours earlier – send Lindahl the wrong way in coolly converting the spot kick to the goalkeeper’s left.

A rather pedestrian second period followed, before Marta doubled her goal tally for the day and the tournament. Elin Rubensson failed to clear under pressure from the No10, who found space by flicking the ball forwards with her right foot and clinically slotting past Lindahl with her left.

Beatriz then put the cherry atop the cake, opening her body and curling a controlled effort past Lindahl for the hosts’ fifth.

Schelin, playing at her fourth Olympics, scored her sixth goal across those respective tournaments, smartly finishing past Barbara after springing the Brazilian offside trap.

Sweden face a showdown with China PR on the final day of Group E action on Tuesday in Brasilia, with the hosts facing now-eliminated South Africa in a dead rubber.

In other second leg fixtures in the Women football event, New Zealand edged Colombia 1-0 thanks to a clinical strike from striker Amber Hearn to win their second match in Olympics history and claim three important points in Group G at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.

China 2-0 South Africa

China PR kept their hopes of reaching the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 knockout stages alive with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, courtesy of Gu Yasha’s effort in first half stoppage time and Tan Ruyin’s spectacular late strike from distance.

USA 1-0 France

Germany 2-2 Australia

Germany came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Australia in their second match in Group F at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016.

The European champions faced an uphill climb after first-half goals from Samantha Kerr and Caitlin Foord had the Matildas out to a two-goal lead, but a Sara Daebritz strike just before half-time and a late equaliser by Saskia Bartusiak saved Germany’s blushes in Sao Paulo.

Canada 3-2 Zimbabwe

Canada beat Zimbabwe 3-1 at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo in what felt like a match of two halves. The Canadians scored all three goals in the first half thanks to a brace from Janine Beckie, but Zimbabwe finished the match strong, scoring a late goal to the delight of the 30,000 crowd.

Zimbabwe played without defender Lynett Mutokuto, who received a one-match suspension for having committed what was considered a serious foul against Germany. Since the infringement escaped the match officials’ attention, the incident was submitted to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for consideration and decision.

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Nigeria shakes off travel issues, defeats Japan in thrilling fashion. (#Olympics)

The days leading up to the start of the Olympic men’s soccer competition were really not smooth for Nigeria, disputes with the Nigerian Football Federation regarding items such as the payment of their bonuses and the size of the plane that was supposed to take them from Atlanta to Manaus became the major highlights. 

But Thursday morning things were finally sorted out, with the team arriving in Manaus just under seven hours before they were scheduled to face Japan in the group opener for both.

Turns out the Nigerians had plenty left in the tank, as they scored five goals in holding off the Japanese for a 5-4 victory in the final match of the day.

Prior to Thursday no Olympic men’s soccer player managed to register a hat trick in a match since Carlos Tevez did so in 2004 in Athens. That feat was accomplished twice in Brazil, with Nigeria’s Oghenekaro Etebo becoming the second to do so. Etebo, who opened his account in the 11th minute, would go on to score four goals in the match. 

Nigeria’s Umar Sadiq tapped in a rebound given up by Japan keeper Masatoshi Kushibiki in the sixth minute to open the scoring, only to have Japan receive a penalty three minutes later. Shinzo Koroki converted the penalty in the ninth minute, with Etebo offering a reply two minutes later and Japan’s Takumi Minamino knotting the score at two goals apiece in the 13th minute.

Mikel was substituted in the 86th minute with Saliu Popoola

The teams would remain tied until the 42nd minute, when Etebo scored his second after a failed clearance by a Japanese fullback. Etebo’s first shot wasn’t all that strong, but the defender attempted to clear the ball with a header that fell right onto Etebo’s right foot.

Less than ten minutes later Nigeria was awarded a penalty after a foul in the area, Etebo stepped up to get his hat trick from the spot in the 51st minute. Etebo scored his fourth goal in the 65th minute, with Kushibiki’s clearance of a Nigerian cross being of poor quality. 

At that point it appeared as if Nigeria could pick its final tally, but to their credit Japan refused to quit. A goal from recent Arsenal signing Takuma Asano in the 70th minute made the score 5-3, with Musashi Suzuki pulling Japan to within a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Luckily for Nigeria their opponents ran out of time, .

Both teams return to action Sunday, with Nigeria taking on Sweden and Japan facing Colombia in a doubleheader in Manaus.

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Germany, Mexico play to 2-2 draw in Group C opener

Pegged by many as the two best sides in Group C, Germany and Mexico put forth an entertaining match befitting of the favorites label. And in the end, both teams left the field with a point apiece with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.

Oribe Peralta’s header in the 52nd minute gave Mexico a 1-0 lead, and the play opened up the always interesting conversation of man marking vs. zonal marking when defending corners. Germany went with the latter and the defenders lost track of Peralta, who wound up with a free header he took full advantage of just six yards away from goal. However Mexico’s advantage would be short-lived, as their decision to not adjust tactically resulted in more room for Germany to attack than they should have been afforded.

Arsenal midfielder Serge Gnabry served as the catalyst in the second half, and in the 58th minute his shot from the left wing tied the score at one goal apiece. Mexico didn’t tighten things up defensively once they grabbed the 1-0 lead, and Germany’s control of possession ultimately resulted in their first shot on target in the match to that point. Less than 20 minutes after that strike the Mexicans regained the lead through a Rodolfo Pizzaro tap-in in the 72nd minute. Pizarro benefited from an on-target header from Marco Bueno, whose effort resulted in German keeper Timo Horn making the save but surrendering a rebound right in front of goal.

But as was the case with Mexico’s first goal, their advantage was short-lived.

Germany pulled back even in the 78th minute through a Matthias Ginter header off of a corner, providing the final score of the match. Both teams will be back in action Sunday, with Mexico taking on Fiji and Germany facing South Korea. Neither team took a major step towards the knockout stage, but in getting a point from what will likely be their toughest match of the group stage both Germany and Mexico are in solid position to get through provided they do what’s expected of them in their final two matches.

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Colombia vs Sweden ends in a draw

Four matches played in the first day of competition in the Olympic men’s soccer tournament, and each managed to end in a draw. The latest to do so was the match between Colombia and Sweden, with the Group B sides playing to a 2-2 draw in Manaus.

Colombia carried the run of play early in the first half, and their pressure yielded the first scoring opportunity of the match. Captain Teo Gutierrez, who scored a goal in Colombia’s 3-0 win over Greece in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, calmly put a shot past the Swedish keeper to put the South Americans on the board in the 17th minute. 

Sweden would slowly work their way back into the match, pulling even in the 43rd minute in what may have been the best strike of the first day of the competition.

Mikael Ishak’s shot from outside of the 18 yard box whistled past Colombian keeper Cristian Bonilla to tie the match at one goal apiece, with the two teams combining to play some entertaining soccer in the first 45 minutes. It took Colombia and Sweden some time to get back into the flow of things in the second half, with the U-23 European champions being the first to do so. 

Astrit Adjarevic pounced on a rebound given up by Bonilla and put the resulting shot into the back of the net, giving Sweden a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute. Sweden would hold off Colombia for the next 13 minutes, until defender Joakim Nilsson was called for handball inside the penalty area.

That gave Dorlan Pabon, who assisted on Colombia’s first goal, the opportunity to tie things up and the Monterrey forward took full advantage. Colombia threatened to grab the lead in the 87th minute, but Andreas Linde’s save of a Harold Preciado shot from point blank range kept the score knotted at two goals apiece. Sweden would have one final shot at all three points three minutes later, but Bonilla was up to the challenge and made sure to not allow for a rebound.

Both teams return to the pitch Sunday, with Colombia taking on Japan and Sweden facing Nigeria.

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Portugal beat Argentina in Olympic football event ( #Olympics)

Gonçalo Paciência’s second-half goal lead the way for Portugal, which continued its fine summer with a 2-0 win over Argentina in both sides’ Olympic opener at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.

Pite’s late knuckling shot helped Argentina keeper Geronimo Rulli into a howler to give the game its final scoreline. The win lifts Portugal into second place via goals scored in Group D, while Argentina is third.

Next up for Portugal is also-victorious Honduras on Sunday, while Argentina faces winless Algeria.

This one took a while to get going, with the first true danger blocked just over the bar by Portugal’s Edgar Ie before it could get to Angel Correa. That was nearly a half-hour into the match.

Jose Luis Gomez darted into the heart of the 18 to redirect a ball that bounded just wide of keeper Bruno Varela and the far post, keeping it scoreless in the 37th.

Argentina saw an unbridled 50-plus yard run from Jonathan Calleri end with the Sao Paolo man chipping Varela but kissing the crossbar.

Portugal earned a free kick from 20 yards after Lisandro Magallán took down Bruno Fernandes outside the box. Sergio Oliviera’s offering deflected off the wall and out for a corner, which Argentina handled well.

Paciencia put Portugal ahead when a partially blocked shot landed at his feet in the 66th minute. He reset his feet outside the 18 to lash a low left-footer across goal and home for a 1-0 lead.

The insurance goal came late in the goings, as Pite’s shot from distance curled through Rulli’s hands, off his planted right foot, and into the goal.

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South Korea thrashes Fiji 8-0 to grab top spot in Group C (#Olympics)

With matches against Germany and Mexico left to be played, South Korea entered their Olympic men’s soccer tournament against Fiji in search of a dominant result as they look to advance into the knockout stage of the competition. 

Thanks to Fiji keeper Simione Tamanisau it took South Korea some time to get rolling offensively, but once they did the Oceania representatives did not have an answer.

South Korea won the match 8-0, picking up a result that could be important should goal differential be a factor in determining which two teams get out of Group C.

South Korea controlled the action throughout, but they were unable to crack the Fiji defense until the 30th minute. Ryu Seung-Woo’s first goal of the match in the 30th minute gave South Korea a 1-0 lead, and they had the opportunity to expand that margin eight minutes later. A foul committed in the penalty area gave South Korea a penalty, but Moon Chang-Jin’s left-footed shot hit off the post. From that point onward Fiji remained just a goal down, with their 34-year old keeper essentially standing on his head to stop South Korea at every opportunity.

But one man can only do so much, and with the onslaught unrelenting the South Koreans managed to open the floodgates in the 63rd minute. Kwon Chang-Hoon’s goal in the 63rd minute was the first of three goals South Korea would score in a three-minute span, turning the match into a rout. 

Ryu Seung-Woo tallied a hat trick, becoming the first men’s soccer player to do so since Carlos Tevez in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, and Kwon and Suk Hyun-Jin scored two goals apiece for South Korea.

Tottenham’s Son Heungmin also scored, doing so from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, just one minute after he entered the game as a substitute.

The next matches in Group C are both scheduled for Sunday in Salvador, with Fiji taking on Mexico in the first game of the doubleheader with South Korea vs. Germany to follow.

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Honduras beat Algeria in Olympic football event

First half goals from Romell Quioto, Anthony Lozano and Marcelo Pereira led Honduras to an impressive opening Olympic win over Algeria at the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.

Sofiane Bendebka and Baghdad Bounedjah scored Algeria’s goal in the 3-2 loss.

Honduras move atop Group D for at least a few hours, with Portugal and Argentina set to kickoff at 5 p.m. EDT.

Honduras took advantage of a razor-thin onside run from Lozano, who then made an ankle-breaking cut in the box. His shot was saved, but Quioto would work the rebound over the line to make it 1-0 in the 13th minute.

An unlikely goal in many ways came next, as defender Pereira then headed a ball from the edge of the 18 that looped over Farid Chaal, who was only starting because of a tournament-ending injury to Abdelkader Salhi.

Algeria woke up in the second half, though Honduras’ physical if foul happy style was a proper obstacle to the African side’s comeback.

The two combustible sides saw their tempers reach boiling points in the 56th minute, crowding around an injured player as the referee attempted to keep things sane.

Algeria nabbed a goal via a gutty header from Bendebka with more than 20 minutes to play, but Honduras pulled one back thanks to another error on Chaal. The Algerian keeper spilled an easy cross right onto the foot on Lozano, who simply loved the chance to score from the six.

Bounedjah made a cool chest trap on a 85th minute cross before passing the ball inside the right post as Algeria pulled within one.

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Hojbjerg saves Denmark from Olympic opening loss to Iraq

Jeppe Højbjerg’s hands helped Denmark keep Iraq off the scoreboard in an Olympic opener that will give more confidence to the Asian side.

The Esbjerg keeper was called upon several times against a busy Iraqi side who could’ve very well taken all three points in a 0-0 draw at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in Brasília on Thursday.

Brazil and South Africa contend Group A’s other opening match at 3 p.m. EDT.

Iraq outshot Denmark 17-9, but Hojbjerg was the difference.

Denmark came close to opening incredibly well when Brentford man Lasse Vibe made a smart run from the right side to pop a shot off the far post.

Højbjerg was called into duty for a counter attack save moments later, as both sides kept the pace high early.

Denmark’s size advantage was on display early as the Danes worked the ball around the 18 via headed 50-50 wins.

Unfortunately, the match settled down in both sides’ thirds.

That changed in the 26th, as Denmark countered from a good spell of Iraqi possession. Vibe was parried by Mohammed Hameed, and a Danish foul stopped the rebound from mattering.

Udinese’s Ali Adnan forced Hojbjerg into a terrific punch save of a free kick just as the first half reached stoppage time, and a chippy half ended without a goal.

Hameed made a flying punch on Casper Nielsen to keep it scoreless off a 48th minute free kick.

Hammadi Ahmad forced Hojbjerg into an extending catch of a 22-yard shot with under 20 to play, as the match simultaneously felt open yet destined for 0-0.

That happened thanks to Hojbjerg, who made save after save in the final minutes thanks mostly to smart positioning.

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10-man South Africa holds host nation Brazil and Neymar to a goalless draw in Olympic football game

Host nation Brazil have been held to a goalless stalemate by South Africa in their opening match of the Rio Olympics this evening.

Breathlessly, Brazil fans waited for their dominant home side to find a way past 10-man South Africa in the opener for both teams at the Olympics.

The likes of Neymar and new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus were among the Brazil side, but despite seeing Mothobi Mvala sent off for the visitors, they couldn't find a breakthrough in Brasilia.

Brazil, who won silver at London 2012 but are yet to win an Olympic football gold, could have found themselves behind inside three minutes when Lebo Mothiba raced through on goal, but Weverton was alert to come out and deal with the danger.

Maphosa Modiba then fired narrowly wide as the visitors continued to keep their hosts on the back foot, much to the frustration of the crowd inside the stadium.

Brazil were forced to wait until just before the half-hour mark for their first meaningful effort on goal, and predictably it came from Neymar as his swerving strike was kept out by Itumeleng Khune.

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Moments later they were in trouble again at the other end of the field as Mothiba beat Weverton to a corner, but he couldn't keep his header down and the home side once again survived.

Keagan Dolly was the next to come close for South Africa, but Brazil did at least end the half on top with Felipe Anderson and Neymar coming close in the final 10 minutes of the opening 45.

Chances continued to arrive for both sides in the second half, with Dolly and Mothiba threatening for South Africa and Gabriel drawing a save from Khune in reply.

The hosts' hopes of getting off to a winning start were raised just before the hour mark, though, as Mvala was shown a second yellow card to leave South Africa with a numerical disadvantage for the final 30 minutes.

That sparked a period of Brazilian dominance as first Zeca drew a stop from Khune before Gabriel Jesus somehow hit the post when just three yards out in front of an open goal.

It was a hint that it would not be Brazil's day, and that feeling continued when Gabriel and Neymar both came close in quick succession soon afterwards.

In the end, South Africa survived the onslaught to come away with a draw, leaving the home fans frustrated following an inauspicious start to their bid for gold.

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