Olympic Soccer Argentina-Brazil

Both teams, Argentina and Brazil, come into the semifinal of the Olympic Games undefeated so far after having won all of their matches.

Brazil or Argentina?

In recent years Brazil has had the edge over its main rival, having beaten them to the final of the two last versions of the Copa America (the last in 2007 when it won the final 3-0). But Argentina held Brazil to a tight goalless draw in a 2010 World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, earlier in the year.

Brazil, who has never won the Olympic gold medal, has proved its quality in the competition so far, having won all four of its matches (with eleven goals in favor and none against). For some reason it still doesn't seem like Brazil has found its top form. Although the Selecao deserved to beat Cameroon in the quarterfinals (they won 2-0 after extra-time), it lacked quality in its game when it came to attacking flair.

Ronaldinho at the Olympics

Then there's Ronaldinho, has the guy actually lost all his magic? When he has the ball he always looks dangerous, but he seems to be limiting himself for some reason. Not sure if he doesn't want to get injured, or just can't be bothered going for all those amazing runs as he used to not too long ago.

I'm sure he's still a really dangerous player, and could prove decisive in the semifinal (and even in the final if Brazil qualify for it), but it seems he is happy to keep a low-profile, which was the complete opposite to in the past. And the tricks, the speed, those extraordinary free-kicks? All gone for now. Let's see what happens against Argentina, but so far in the tournament he has been just another player from the pack (not Ronaldinho!).

Lionel Messi and Argentina

Argentina has it all to reach the gold medal match, and will most definitely defeat Belgium or Nigeria if it gets there (easily), but the thing that worries them (and every Argentine fan) is Brazil. The Brazilians are their equal, they have a wealth of depth in all areas of the field, and can win a match in an instant. It is up to Lionel Messi and co. to change this.

Can they do it? If they play like they have been playing so far: definitely. But don't be fooled, in last year's Copa America they were the overwhelming favorites (thrashing whoever stood in their way) except for Brazil, who cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory in the decider. It is now up to Argentina to change the history between these two teams.

Argentina-Brazil Prediction

The match is likely to be very evenly contested, and should be extremely tight. I'm going for a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Argentina will go on to win on penalties.

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