Pages

19 August 2008

Brazil v. Argentina, Ronaldinho v. Messi: This is your Olympic Semi Final "Clash of the Titans Lite" Post

Sorry for the long title there - but this one should be a firecracker. Of course this is the U23 version of this South American derby, so it doesn't quite carry the significance of a World Cup qualifier, but both sides are wearing National Team colors and I suspect will be pushing at all costs for the opportunity to face Nigeria for Gold.

While both sides did bring a few stars to the table - Riquelme, Messi, Ronaldinho...they are truly skeletons of their full teams.

Feel free to discuss.

11 comments:

Editor said...

Intense first half of football. The run of play traded sides a couple of times. Hard tackles and some flashes of brilliance from both Ronaldinho and Messi! I expect the second half to open up with the same intensity.

Editor said...

GOOOOOOL Argentina - excellent build up. I don't think I've ever seen a ball ricochet off of someone's body with that much pace.

Brazil almost equalised.

Chris said...

Argentina just scored on a suspect goal that could have been called a handball. However, I think it was a good no call and Brazil will have to fight to get back in the game.

Editor said...

Yeah, I thought the first goal might have been a hand ball - but the second was a pure shredding of the Brazilian defense.

Chris said...

Man, Brazil is getting the short end of the stick, or post I should say. Thats the second one thats hit the wood.

Editor said...

Did you see what the yellow card against Argentina was on the first Ronaldinho freekick? I'm guessing encroachment but I really couldn't see anything wrong.

Chris said...

No I didn't see it. I also missed the tackle that lead to the PK. Oh well, with 15 minutes left and Brazil down 3 goals, I think this game is about over.

Chris said...

What a dive, not deserving of a red card at all

Editor said...

Yeah - this match is finished - Lucas form Brazil just mauled someone from behind and earned a red. I would be subbing all my starters to the limit if I were Argentina.

Chris said...

That red card was unwarrented as well. I guess the ref just doesn't want this to become too violent.

Oh and I'm watching a Romanian feed so the show everything in slow mo like 5 times, something that I'm guessing the US feed doesnt do at all based on the other matches Ive watched on there.

Editor said...

Ha! I'm watching on telemundo so they are doing a lot of the slow mo replay as well. By the way, nice show of sportsmanship between the former Barca partnerhsip, Messi and Ronaldinho.