Olympic run goes on while domestic season gets going
Wednesday 13 August 2008 17:00
Another game, another win for the Argentine Olympic squad and with it qualification to the next round.
The game could easily be picked apart and was, again, far from convincing, but it was an overall solid performance in amongst a series of pretty wobbly displays, from Brazil included.
Messi, who is quickly becoming 'God Mark II' in the bars of Buenos Aires, admitted they played "in a slow rhythm."
He may have been talking about his own pedestrian performance, or the team who left it until 15 minutes before the end to look cohesive, when Riquelme and Messi combined to put through Ezequiel Lavezzi to score the only game of the match.
It was, however, a blinder with an amazing build up and perfect finish, showing how Argentina loves to play their football: with exuberant style.
Lavezzi side-foots home vs Australia
The team now play Serbia in their last league game, but they are already qualified. Riquelme, Messi, Mascherano and Aguero (on a yellow card) will all be rested.
But the second team should not fret, because over in Argentina the domestic season has finally got underway with Boca grabbing the headlines with a stunning 4-0 victory over Gimnasia de Jujuy.
Their team included several players who were previously in the reserve squad, but who had beaten the first team in training sessions twice that week.
Palacio, who remained with Boca despite being expected to head off along with the pre-season exodus, is injured but should return for Wednesday's ReCopa match.
Boca's Gracian and Ibarra celebrate vs Gimnasia
Other results:
San Martin 2–0 Huracan
Gimnasia 0–1 Newells Old Boys
Arsenal 3–0 Argentinos
Central 3–2 Estudiantes
Banfield 1–2 Godoy Cruz
Velez 0–0 Independiente
Colon 1–1 River
Racing 0–2 Lanus
San Lorenzo 0-1 Tigre
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