Olympics - Soccer : Ronaldinho scored twice as
Brazil strolled to a 5-0 win over New Zealand at the Olympics on
Sunday, while a delightful goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi gave
Argentina a late win over stubborn Australia.
The wins left the South American pair with 6 points from two
games in their respective groups and guaranteed both a
quarter-final place with a match to spare.
African pair Cameroon and Nigeria won for the first time,
Cameroon beating Honduras 1-0 thanks to a blunder by goalkeeper
Kevin Hernandez and Nigeria overcoming Japan 2 1.
Argentina, with Juan Roman Riquelme controlling the midfield and
Lionel Messi tormenting the Australia defence, dominated their game
but failed to convert a string of chances.
They finally broke through in the 78th minute when a series of
quick passes ended with Angel Di Maria floating the ball across to
the far post, where Lavezzi sidefooted home a first-time shot.
New Zealand, facing Brazil with a team mainly made up of
university students, were quickly in trouble when they fell behind
to an Anderson goal after three minutes before Alexandro Pato
headed a second just after the half hour.
Ronaldinho added a third with a free kick which found its way
through the entire New Zealand defence in the 55th minute, then won
and converted a penalty six minutes later. Rafael Sobis completed
the scoring in the Group C game.
Midfielder Stephane Mbia gave Cameroon their win over pointless
Honduras in Group D when a weak, low shot from outside the area
caught Hernandez off his guard and rolled into the net in the 74th
minute.
Second-half goals from Victor Obinna and Victor Anichebe put
Nigeria in control against Japan, who replied through Yohei Toyoda
in the Group B game.
