Despite a brave performance from the Dream Team IV, Argentina have claimed Gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with a 1-0 victory in the Birds’ Nest on Saturday.

Played in blistering heat, the only goal of the game was scored on 57 minutes through Angel di Maria as the Argentines retained the Olympic title they won in Athens four years ago.

It was an even contest, with neither goalkeeper overly busy, but Nigeria did have their chances to score, while Argentina took one of their rare clear-cut chances.

Blow-by-Blow Match Report:

1 mins: And we’re off!

6 mins: Argentina make the better start, with Messi and Aguero seeing plenty of the ball, but Odemwingie has the first shot on goal from a 40-yard free-kick, which is saved.

12 mins: A dangerous free-kick from 25-yards is wasted by Argentine as Riquelme shoots high and wide.

18 mins: Nigeria are struggling to see much of the ball, but are defending brilliantly to date. They need to try and get a foothold in midfield though.

25 mins: Despite some neat play from both sides, neither keeper has really been tested yet. Messi goes down in the area, but the referee waves play-on. Odemwingie sends a looping header over the bar and Nsofor shoots straight at the keeper as Nigeria press.

32 mins: Nigeria are now the side who look the most likely to score. Odemwingie just fails to set-up Nsofor for a shot as his back-heel is intercepted by the defender on the edge of the area.

39 mins: Odemwingie puts the ball across the six-yard box, but Isaac just misses the low ball. The Argentina struggle to clear and Isaac is presented with another opportunity from close-range, but his control lets him down and the Argentina keeper can gather.

HALFTIME: Aguero heads straight at Vanzekin, before the keeper makes a brilliant save to deny Di Maria from 25-yards. The first half closes with Argentina on the attack, but it has been an even 45 minutes in extreme heat in Beijing.

46 mins: The second half is underway!

53 mins: Aguero almost gets behind the Nigerian defence, but a timely interception clears the danger. Brilliance from Messi almost forces the opening goal. A lovely bit of skill sees him turn the defender 25-yards out, and his powerful drive is well saved by Vanzekin. YELLOW CARD for Nsofor for a clumsy challenge.

57 mins: GOAL! Argentina score with an incisive breakaway. Messi releases Di Maria on goal and he brilliantly chips the ball over the advancing Vanzekin.

65 mins: It has been all Argentina since the goal. Nigeria need to find a way back into this match. SUBSTITUTE Anichebe muscles the Argentine defence into conceding a corner, which is cleared.

72 mins: YELLOW CARD for Apam. SUBSTITUTE Ekpo on for Isaac. Nigeria are starting to commit more men forward now as they go in search of the equalizer. Messi and Co are looking to catch them on the break though. The players take a welcome water break in the steamy conditions.

76 mins: Ajilore almost pokes the ball home from the edge of the area, but his shot squirts wide of the post. YELLOW CARD for Di Maria. What a chance for Nigeria! The ball is played tantalizingly across the six-yard box and Odemwingie just fails to get a touch on the ball that would have sent it into an empty net. Was that the moment?

83 mins: Messi almost seals it for Argentina as he is clean through, but brilliant cover defence clears the danger. It is inevitable that there will gaps at the back as Nigeria push forward. Kaita shoots over from the edge of the area. YELLOW CARD for Riquelme for time-wasting.

FULLTIME: Anichebe almost scores at the near post from a cross, but his touch is well saved by the keeper. Despite five minutes of injury time, a tired-looking Nigerian side struggle to trouble Nigeria in the closing stages.