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Olympic Games

Soccer Matches at Olympics: Groups A and B

Aug 9, 2008

Here's a preview of what we can expect in the second round of matches of Groups A and B of the Olympic Games Soccer Competition

Olympic Games Soccer

Men's First Round - Group A - Match 09

Argentina vs Australia

The heavily favoured Argentines will look for all three points against a well disciplined Australian side. Argentina worked hard for their 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast, and will need to be at their best once again to defeat the Aussies. If Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme peform Argentina should win the match without breaking a sweat.

Australia could only manage a 1-1 draw with Serbia in their Olympic Games opener last week, and will hope to at least get a point against Argentina. In the past Australia have made life extremely difficult for the Argentines, and their team work and hard tackling could give them the edge against very difficult opponents. Still, this is very unlikely.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Australia

Men's First Round - Group A - Match 10

Serbia vs Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast played some impressive soccer in their 2-1 loss against Argentina. The Elephants always looked dangerous when moving forward, and piled heavy pressure on the Argentines down the wings. If they play the same style of football against Serbia they will end up with the three points, especially if Sekou Cisse is in top form.

Serbia on the other hand, lacked quality against Australia. But the proud Serbians showed their fighting spirit to come from behind to pick up a valuable point. They are a solid side with lots of potential, but are likely to be overwhelmed by an exciting African side.

Prediction: Serbia 1-2 Ivory Coast

Men's First Round - Group B - Match 11

Nigeria vs Japan

Nigeria, who won the Gold Medal in 1996 when they beat Argentina in the final, picked up a motivating point against Holland in their 0-0 draw last week. They will do their best to almost seal qualification to the quarterfinals of the competition against a lacklustre Japan side.

The Japanese lost 1-0 against the United States in their opener, and will need to win the three points in order to stay in contention to reach the next round. A loss would put an end to their Olympic Games dream. Expect them to push forward in numbers in what is expected to be a very open match.

Prediction: Nigeria 1- Japan 1

Men's First Round - Group B - Match 12

United States vs Netherlands

The United States demonstrated their determination in a narrow 1-0 win over Japan in their Olympic Games opener. The Americans proved too strong for Japan, and are likely to be at their best against the Netherlands.

The Netherlands promised a lot before the competition, but failed to live up to expectation against Nigeria. However, it is obvious they have much more to offer, and are the favourites coming into their clash with the United States. Expect lots of attacking flair in what is also likely to be a very open contest.

Prediction: United States 2-3 Netherlands

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