Argentina retain Olympic title

DI Maria strike settles tight contest as Messi shines

Last updated: 23rd August 2008

Argentina retain Olympic title

Argentina: Back-to-back champions

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Argentina claimed back-to-back Olympic football titles as Angel Di Maria's second-half goal edged a tight final against Nigeria.

The 1-0 victory provided the South Americans with revenge for their defeat in the 1996 Atlanta final to the same opponents and it was Barcelona starlet Lionel Messi who did much to decide the contest.

Messi regularly teased and tormented the Nigerian backline and it was he who laid on the opportunity for Di Maria to settle the match on 58 minutes.

The Nigerians had made the brighter start of what proved a cagey first-half, Lokomotiv Moscow forward Peter Odemwingie with a couple of early efforts on goal.

Messi always looked dangerous on the ball and saw a penalty appeal turned down by Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai as he tumbled in the box under challenge from Chibuzor Okonkwo.

The best effort of the half came at its conclusion as Di Maria's low skidding shot was well turned behind by Nigerian keeper Ambruse Vanzekin.

Messi underlined his threat five minutes after the break as he skipped past a tackle and curled in a shot which Vanzekin again did well to parry.

Chipped home

However, there was nothing the keeper could do shortly afterwards as the Barca starlet rolled in Di Maria with an inch-perfect pass, the Benfica man streaking clear and holding his nerve to chip home in fine style.

Everton's Victor Anichebe was introduced by the Nigerians and went close to levelling with his first touch, but Messi was still weaving his magic at the other end, almost playing in Sergio Aguero before being denied himself by a last-ditch tackle from Onyekachi Apam.

It was Anichebe who again went close late on for Nigeria after diverting a cross goalwards, but Argentine keeper Sergio Romero was equal to the effort and ensured his side held on for gold.