Argentina - Holland- Quarterfinals, 2008 Beijing Olympics your thoughts?

Argentina - Holland

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?

This will be my last post about Argentina on this blog. So this one focuses on the Portugal national team and players, I started a new one only about Argentina http://argentinasoccerteam.blogspot.com Leave your comment on the game there ;-)

How would you rate, Fernando Gago, Lavezzi, and Zabaleta in Argentina's 1st 3 games in 2008 Beijing Olympics? 5 photos of Argentina 2-0 Serbia

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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Photos of Argentina 2-0 Serbia 2008 Beijing Olympics

Relive Argentina 2-0 Serbia. I'm a fan of Serb goalkeeper 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 Portugeuse 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.

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?

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Cover of El Clarin, August 13, Argentinean newspaper, day after Argentina 2-0 Serbia 2008 Beijing OIympics

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.

It's on the Bottom left

- Your thoughts on this cover?

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"If the people of China got mad, I apologize" Bastista, for not making Messi play in Argentina .v Serbia

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, 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?

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Photos of Lionel "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," in Argentina 1-0 Australia, 2008 Beijing Olympics, August 13, 2008

Leo Messi was not as sharp as in the 1st game against Ivory Coast. Missed a few goal opportunities. Still pure magic to see him unmark himself.

August 10, 2008-Lionel "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," in Argentina 1-0 Australia, 2008 Beijing Olympics.

August 10, 2008-Lionel "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," in Argentina 1-0 Australia, 2008 Beijing Olympics.

August 10, 2008-Lionel "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," in Argentina 1-0 Australia, 2008 Beijing Olympics. AFP PHOTO/LIU Jin

August 10, 2008-Lionel "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," watches as Juan Roman Riquelme takes the free kick in Argentina 1-0 Australia, 2008 Beijing Olympics. AFP PHOTO/LIU Jin

August 10, 2008-Lionel "Leo" Messi, "La Pulga," with Ezequiel Lavezzi and Juan Roman Riquelme celebrating after the 1st goal in Argentina 1-0 Australia in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. AFP PHOTO/LIU Jin

---What did you think of Leo Messi's performance in this game Argentina 1-0 Australia?

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"Substitutes are not substitutes." El Clarin article on Argentina 2-0 Serbia, August 13, 2008

Check out this glowing report the day after on Argentinean newspaper El Clarin, August 13, 2008.

Headline of Argentinean newspaper El Clarin
"The national team added another victory and now it's the real challenge."
(La Selección sumó otra victoria y ahora arranca el verdadero desafío)

"Willing to beat its rival, the national team was aggressive since the beginning. With Buonanotte and Di María very active, the goal opportunities appeared soon. 4th minute: Lavezzi was face to face with Serb goalkeeper and captain Stojkovic, that beat him in the 1st duel of the night. Three minutes later, history repeat itself when the goalkeeper guessed Pocho's [LAvezzi] intentions. It was only a matter of time for Lavezzi to convert an opportunity so Argentina can take the lead.

The Serbs didn't rebel against the clear Argentinean superiority. Even Romero virtually never touched the ball. The national team imposed conditions during the first half, and the goal than came in the 11th minute was from the penalty spot, the previous play was fit for the talent that Batista [coach] brought to Beijing. Banega passed it to Di María. The former Central player lifted his head and since he had no company in the middle, Jovanovic showed how violent he was and brought him down. The judge Al Hilali of Omán pointed to the penalty sport and Lavezzi did the rest.

Betting to crowd the midfield was a great call Checho [coach], because Buonanotte, Di María and Sosa –a little flat- didn't just focus on creating the plays and spaces but accompanied Lavezzi well. The defense, meanwhile, didn't have a hard time either despite defending itself with 3 players. Mascherano was the last man because Gago and Banega worked Pareja and Fazio, the 'stoppers,' and Zabaleta made sure Di Maria was free to move.

There was no major difference. The Serb defense fought, unsuccessfully against the plays of Gago, the panorama of Banega, the ability of Buonanotte and the smarts of Lavezzi. Then, the Chinese soccer fans enjoyed soccer and the cries "Meeessi, Meeessi", was only heard in the first minutes. The absence of Leo wasn't too apparent.

Argentina played in some moments the minimum needed and almost suffers for its perfect definition. The shot of Serb Kacar from 40 meters that Romero sent to a corner kick was one of the goal chances Serbia had and that could have cost Batista's triumph. When Di María stopped going forward in the left, Banega and Gago could not cause danger in the box and Lavezzi was left too isolated.

Monzón for Sosa was the change Batista chose to reinforce the defence and put a back-four. Acosta for Lavezzi, the intention was to seal the victory. El Laucha entered the game inspired and with his speed complicated the opponents a lot on the left. In the 28th minute he combined well with Di María and was in front of Stojkovic, that saved the shot because the Sevilla forward defined very badly.

El Laucha continued doing what he does best and immediately created the 2nd penalty opportunity. Di María was not able to convert it despite the referee making him take it twice. Argentina with all its strength and 8 minutes from time, Buonanotte curled in a free kick to establish the 2-0 that would be the final score.

The testing ended and now is the moment of truth for the team of Batista that looks to repeat the gold medal achieved in Athens. With no surprises Brasil will be the obstacle in the semi-finals. But first, the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Checho will put again the "starting 11" saturday. When he goes to sleep tonight, he can be sure that he was right, "Substitutes are not substitutes."

- Your thoughts on this glowing report of Argentina's performance in Argentina 2-0 Serbia from El Clarin (Argentinean newspaper)?

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Lavezzi said that it bothers him not convert many goal chances, a possible Brazil v. Argentina semi-final 2008 Beijing Olympics

Argentina 2-0 Serbia Post match reaction:

Ezequiel "el Pocho" Lavezzi said

"The truth is that it bothers me a little to have many goal chances and not be able to convert them. But, well, I know it's also important to have them. I hope that if I get to play in the next game against Holland and I have the same possibilities, hope to convert them. Hope it happens."

Argentina can face Brasil in the 2008 Beijing Olympics semi-finals.

"If we don't beat Holland we will not be able to play against them. It's like that. We know Brasil can be close but first we need to advance this phase and hopefully we can advance to the next phase."

Personally, I thought his best performance was the second game against Australia.

- What do you think of Lavezzi's statements? A possible Brasil v. Argentina semi-final?

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Argentina 2-0 Serbia- your thoughts on Argentina's disappointing 2008 Beijing Olympics? Struggling in defense and scoring more than 2 goals?

Argentina 2-0 Serbia
13' Lavezzi (pen.)
81' Buonanotte free kick

August 13, 2008, 2008 Beijing Olympics, Group A Men's preliminary round

Didn't see it live this time. I knew Sporting goalkeeper would make it hard for Argentina to score. Stojkovic even stopped Di Maria's penalty. Hum, both play in the Portuguese league. You'd think someone Stojkovic has seen less would take the penalty.

A win is a win. That's not fair that Italy and Brazil are scoring goals galore.

Video of goals Argentina 2-0 Serbia. 13th minute: Lavezzi scored from the penalty spot, 81st minute: Diego Buonanotte curled in a free kick

Argentina's next game:
Group B runner-up and European Under-21 champion Netherlands at Shanghai Stadium on Saturday, August 16, 2008.


Argentina team-
Surprise players? Lavezzi
Disappointing/ flops? Sergio El Kun Aguero

Rate some of these players in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Men's preliminary round:

USTARI, Oscar Alfredo -Club: Getafe (Spain) ,
ROMERO, Sergio -Club: AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)

Defenders: MONZON, Luciano Fabián -Club: Boca Juniors,
FAZIO, Federico Julián -Club: Sevilla (Spain),
GARAY, Ezequiel -Club: Real Madrid (Spain),
PAREJA, Nicolás Martín -Club: Anderlecht (Belgium),
ZABALETA, Pablo Javier - Club: Espanyol (Spain)

Midfielders: GAGO, Fernando Rubén -Club: Real Madrid (Spain),
MASCHERANO, Javier Alejandro -Club: Liverpool (England),
BANEGA, Ever Maximiliano David -Club: Valencia (Spain),
BUONANOTTE, Diego Mario - Club: River Plate
RIQUELME, Juan Román - Club: Boca Juniors,
SOSA, José Ernesto -Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Forwards: AGÜERO, Sergio Leonel "El Kun" -Club Atlético de Madrid (Spain),
ACOSTA, Lautaro Germán -Club: Sevilla (Spain),
DI MARÍA, Angel Fabián - Club: Benfica (Portugal),
MESSI, Lionel Andrés "Leo" -Club: Barcelona (Spain),
LAVEZZI, Ezequiel -Club : Napoli (Italy)

- Your thoughts on Argentina 2-0 Serbia? Argentina's 1st 3 results in this 2008 Beijing Olympics? Rate the Argentina players?

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Will Argentina finally win 3-0 like Brazil and Italy have? Argentina v. Serbia

Argentina v. Serbia

August 13, 2008

2008 Beijing Olympics Men's Preliminary Round Group A

Serbia 1 point in Group A

Ivory Coast has 3 points in Group A. Foregone conclusion that Argentina will beat Serbia so Serbia is playing without pressure and hopefully without much motivation.

Sporting goalkeeper Stojkovic is considered the best goalkeeper Sporting had last season. In Serbia's last Olympic game, he conceded 4 goals. Côte d'Ivoire / Ivory Coast beat Serbia 4-2 to revive its chances of reaching the quarterfinal.

3rd minute- Sekou Cisse gave the Ivorians a lead at the Shanghai Olympic Stadium, 16th minute- Serbian Milan Mrdakovic equalized

24th minute- Serb defender Slobodan Rajkovic headed the ball into his own net
69th minute- Chelsea's Salomon Kalou added a third goal

89th minute- Serb Djordje Rakic scored a second goal
Injury time- Gervinho scored the winning goal for the Ivory Coast. Argentina- time to win 3-0.

No Messi, Riquelme or El Kun AGuero. Responsibility for the goals falls on Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi and Benfica's Angel Di Maria. Sosa and Buonanotte have the job of doing what Riquelme does.

- Your thoughts on Argentina v. Serbia? Will Argentina finally win 3-0? Despite not playing with the superstars Messi, Riqueleme? Will the substitutes Di Maria and Sosa deliver?

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6 changes- No Messi, Riquelme, Coach Batista confirmed the team for Argentina v. Serbia 2008 Beijing Olympics

Argentina already qualified to the 2008 Beijing Oympics men's soccer quarterfinals. On August 12, 2008, Coach Sergio Batista confirmed the starting lineup that will face Serbia.

August 2008- Mascherano, Lavezzi, Riquelme in the training session in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Photo: EFE

The surprises: No "Leo" Messi. No Sergio EL KUN Aguero. Riquelme and Agüero have a yellow card. 3 defenders instead of 4.

Sergio Romero

Nicolás Pareja-- Federico Fazio -- Pablo Zabaleta

Fernando Gago-- Javier Mascherano --Ever Banega -- Diego Buonanotte

Angel Di María-- José Sosa -- Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Defender Garay will also be rested. Batista said, "Garay needs to rest after having played 2 games after 6 months of no soccer."

Riquelme's place to create spaces, determine the tempo of the game, "crear juego" will go to 2 players, Buonanotte and José Sosa.

Batista intends to rest the majority of the team that played the first 2 games. Also to protect the players who already have a yellow card.

I want Fernando Gago to step it up. Angel di Maria help Sosa and Lavezzi score. It's about time Argentina win by 3-0. So Buonanotte must be feeling the pressure to make sure the midfield - attack connection doesn't break.

Too bad for goalkeeper "Osky." Let's see how Sergio Romero does, how many saves he'll have to make.

Defense- needs to improve. Mascherano can't always double up on the opponent to help the defense.

If Argentina win 1st place of Group A, they won't face Brazil. Imagine what pressure Lavezzi has to score.

- Your thoughts on Argentina v. Serbia? The players in this lineup?

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The Tango in the Olympics

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??

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Argentina v. Australia August 10, 2008 2008 Beijing Olympics your predictions

Argentina 1-0 Australia

Lavezzi
August 10, 2008
2008 Beijing Olympics, Men's preliminary round
Argentina's 2nd game
2 AM USA Pacific time

It's at 2 am in my time zone. I'm going to watch it live on TV. Watching it on NBC.

I expect coach Batista to put the same starting lineup from Argentina v. Ivory Coast.

Ustari
Zabaleta -- Garay -- Pareja -- Monzón

Mascherano-- Gago -- Messi -- Riquelme

Lavezzi -- Agüero

However, Lavezzi was not convincing. Di Maria was as a substitute. El Kun Aguero had plenty of chances but needed finishing skills. As long as the Messi- Aguero partnership is not broken, Argentina will be fine.

Some more 'toque toque' short passes during the whole game.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Australia

Struggled to win. Not as sharp. Especially 3 bad passes by Messi, shots wide.


Your thoughts before the game? Final score?

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Men's Soccer - match schedule 2008 Beijing Olympics

3 more days for the 1st soccer match at the 2008 Beijing Olympics! Here's the match schedule. For USA sports fans, they're pretty early! Reminds me of the 2002 Japan/Korea world cup. Vamos Argentina!

Men's Soccer - Preliminary round
Thursday, August 7, times in USA Pacific time

2:00 AM Group B match 1 (Japan vs USA)
2:00 AM Group C match 1 (Brasil vs Belgium)
2:00 AM Group D match 1 (Honduras vs Italy)
2:00 AM Group A match 1 (Australia vs Serbia)

4:45 AM Group A match 2 (Ivory Coast 1-2 Argentina)
4:45 AM Group D match 2 (Korea vs Cameroon)
4:45 AM Group C match 2 (China vs New Zealand)
4:45 AM Group B match 2 (Netherlands vs Nigeria)

Sunday, August 10 - Times in USA Pacific time

2:00 AM Group D match 3 (Cameroon vs Honduras)
2:00 AM Group B match 3 (Nigeria vs Japan)
2:00 AM Group C match 3 (New Zealand vs Brasil)
2:00 AM Group A match 3 (Argentina 2-0 Australia)

4:45 AM Group A match 4 (Serbia vs Ivory Coast)
4:45 AM Group C match 4 (Belgium vs China)
4:45 AM Group B match 4 (USA vs Netherlands)
4:45 AM Group D match 4 (Italy vs Korea)

August 13
2:00 AM Group D match 5 (Korea vs Honduras)
2:00 AM Group D match 6 (Cameroon vs Italy)
2:00 AM Group B match 5 (Netherlands vs Japan)
2:00 Group B match 6 (Nigeria vs USA)

4:45 AM Group C match 5 (China vs Brasil)
4:45 AM Group C match 6 (New Zealand vs Belgium)
4:45 AM Group A match 5 (Ivory Coast vs Australia)
4:45 AM Group A match 6 (Argentina vs Serbia)

Aug 16 Men's Soccer - Quarterfinals
3:00 AM Brazil v. Cameroon
3:00 AM Italy v. Belgium
6:00 AM Argentina v. Netherlands
6:00 AM Nigeria v. Ivory Coast

Aug 19 - Semi-finals
3:00 AM winner of Nigeria v. Ivory Coast V. winner of Italy v. Belgium
6:00 AM winner of Argentina v. Netherlands V. winner of Brazil v. Cameroon

Aug 22 Bronze medal match
4:00 AM

Aug 23 Final Gold medal match
9:00 AM

- What games are you going to watch or follow? Your favorites to win the Men's soccer 2008 Beijing Olympics?

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