Brazil's dreams of gold were shattered last night as they were
dealt a 3-0 thumping by arch-rivals and defending champs
Argentina.
The Selecao must now battle for the bronze against Belgium, who
were downed by African giants Nigeria earlier in the evening.
But Anderson will have no time to celebrate or commiserate the
result of Friday's clash, as he will jet back to England instantly
to rejoin his United team-mates.
And not before time, from Ferguson's point of view.
The Red Devils are in the midst of an injury crisis, with Owen
Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs all
unavailable all suffering from some malady or other.
Such is the depletion of the European champions' squad that it was
thought Anderson would skip the Olympics, after the Court of
Arbitration for Sport granted clubs permission to block their stars
from competing in Beijing.
But Ferguson allowed the 20-year-old to represent his country at
the Games, although he may now be regretting that decision.
Anderson is a chance to feature in Monday's Premier League stoush
against Portsmouth.