Africa's three men's soccer teams at the Beijing Olympics all made their way to the quarterfinals on Wednesday, confirming the continent's status as a major contender for gold in what remains by far its most popular sport.
Nigeria finishes first in Group B
Nigeria's "Dream Team IV" earned the top spot in Group B, reviving hopes of another gold medal after its success at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Despite the absence of two of its most interesting players - Taye Taiwo wasn't released by Marseille and John Obi Mikel was rejected by coach Samson Siasi - Nigeria secured its second victory in three games Wednesday morning, playing against the United States.
Team captain Isaac Promise showed the way by scoring first at the 39th minute. Obinna Nsofor of Chievo Verona followed up, giving Nigeria a 2-0 advantage at the 79th minute.
The Americans managed to reduce the margin by scoring one goal with just two minutes remaining in the game. But they did not stop Nigeria from pocketing a precious win for the second round.
Next, Nigeria will go head-on against Côte d'Ivoire.
GROUP B
1 - Nigeria 7 pts (2)
2 - Netherlands 5 pts (1)
3 - USA 4 pts (0)
4 - Japan 0 pt (-3)
Côte d'Ivoire: Kalou eventually finds the path
Côte d'Ivoire moves into the second round after beating Australia, 1-0, a major accomplishment considering that this is the team's first Olympics.
The Ivorian technical staff were convinced that their loss to Argentina was just a faux pas, and on Wednesday the boys proved them right. By securing their second victory of the tournament, Yao Kouassi, Gervais Gervinho and their teammates wrote a new page in the annals of Ivorian soccer.
Right from the start of the game, the Ivorians pushed down on the accelerator against an Australian team that also understood that its own qualification was at stake. Throughout the first half both teams were playing beautifully by creating opportunities.
At one point it seemed the Australians were more sharply focused, while Côte d'Ivoire's Salomon Kalou made repeated blunders in front of his opponents' goal. The Chelsea player appeared to have lost confidence after squandering so many opportunities, but he was far from giving up.
The liberating goal came within nine minutes of the end of the game, thanks to a magnificent pass from Gervinho to the young Bonaventure Kalou. Without hesitation, Kalou placed the ball right inside the Australian goal.
It was a gesture that renewed the hope of an entire people, as it became clear that the young Elephants had just earned their qualification for the quarterfinals.
But before laying claim to a medal, Côte d'Ivoire must first overcome Nigeria - certainly the biggest task to face them since the beginning of their mission in Asia.
GROUP A
1 - Argentina 9 pts (4)
2 - Cote d'Ivoire 6 pts (2)
3 - Australia 1 pt (-2)
4 - Serbia 1 pt (-4)
Cameroon has character
Cameroon held their ground against Italy on Wednesday, securing their qualification with a scoreless draw despite playing much of the match one man down.
It seems that the 2008 Olympic squad will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors who earned gold at the 2000 games in Sydney. A draw against Italy was no small feat - the Italians have so far maintained an impressive record, with two wins, scoring six goals and conceding none.
Cameroon could have fared even better, had it not been for a failed penalty kick by Aurelien Chedjou that was stopped by the Italian goalie. After that, the team found it difficult to get back in the game, displaying a lot of nervousness.
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It was thus understandable that Georges Mandjeck received a red card after a bad tackle on an Italian player at the 32nd minute. Cameroon merely managed to stay afloat until the end of the game, fully aware that a tie meant they would make it to the next round. Italy likewise didn't want to take risks, as they were assured of first place in the group with a comfortable advantage.
Cameroon took second place behind Italy, ahead of South Korea and Honduras.
Cameroon now face Brazil, who are fielding an increasingly sensational Ronaldinho. But the Lions will be waiting.
GROUP D
1 - Italy 7 pts (6)
2 - Cameroon 5 pts (1)
3 - South Korea 4 pts (-2)
4 - Honduras 0 pt (-5)
