Italy's Olympic dream has ended in a controversial 3-2 quarter-final defeat to 10-man Belgium in the Olympic football while South American giants Brazil and Argentina both won in extra-time to set up one mouth-watering semi-final meeting. Belgium will face Nigeria, who overcame Ivory Coast in the all-Africa quarter-final, in Shanghai.
In Beijing Workers' Stadium, Giuseppe Rossi put the Italians ahead from the penalty spot on 18th minute after Thomas Vermaelen dragged Roberto Acquafresca down in the six-yard box. The referee pointed to the spot and showed the red card to the Belgian defender.
However, 10-man Belgium drew level in controversial circumstances. Moussa Dembele's header from a corner kick in 24th minute was cleared off the line by Luca Cigarini but the linesman flagged that it had crossed over. Dembele's strike partner Kevin Mirallas struck home in first-half stoppages to give the Belgians the lead.
Rossi equalised from another spot-kick in the 74th minute before Dembele smashed the winner 10 minutes from time as Italy uncharacteristically lost their defensive cool. Italian keeper Emiliano Viviano was sent off in the closing minutes following an incident with Mirallas.
In Shenyang Olympic Stadium, Rafael Sobis and Marcelo scored in the 11th and 15th minutes of extra time to give Brazil a 2-0 win keep Seleção on course for a first Olympic gold. The encounter produced one of the tournament's low points as they shared 12 yellow cards and 56 fouls in a physical game which saw Cameroon's Albert Baning sent off six minutes into the second half for a foul on Lucas.
At Shanghai Stadium, Lionel Messi scored an early goal and set a dream through ball for the extra time winner from Angel di Maria in Argentina's 2-1 win over the Netherlands. Otman Bakkal was the lone scorer for the Oranje.
In Qinhuangdao, Peter Odemwingie and Victor Obinna were on the scoresheet for Nigeria as they were victorious in the battle of the African sides against the Ivorians.
In Beijing Workers' Stadium, Giuseppe Rossi put the Italians ahead from the penalty spot on 18th minute after Thomas Vermaelen dragged Roberto Acquafresca down in the six-yard box. The referee pointed to the spot and showed the red card to the Belgian defender.
However, 10-man Belgium drew level in controversial circumstances. Moussa Dembele's header from a corner kick in 24th minute was cleared off the line by Luca Cigarini but the linesman flagged that it had crossed over. Dembele's strike partner Kevin Mirallas struck home in first-half stoppages to give the Belgians the lead.
Rossi equalised from another spot-kick in the 74th minute before Dembele smashed the winner 10 minutes from time as Italy uncharacteristically lost their defensive cool. Italian keeper Emiliano Viviano was sent off in the closing minutes following an incident with Mirallas.
In Shenyang Olympic Stadium, Rafael Sobis and Marcelo scored in the 11th and 15th minutes of extra time to give Brazil a 2-0 win keep Seleção on course for a first Olympic gold. The encounter produced one of the tournament's low points as they shared 12 yellow cards and 56 fouls in a physical game which saw Cameroon's Albert Baning sent off six minutes into the second half for a foul on Lucas.
At Shanghai Stadium, Lionel Messi scored an early goal and set a dream through ball for the extra time winner from Angel di Maria in Argentina's 2-1 win over the Netherlands. Otman Bakkal was the lone scorer for the Oranje.
In Qinhuangdao, Peter Odemwingie and Victor Obinna were on the scoresheet for Nigeria as they were victorious in the battle of the African sides against the Ivorians.
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