Angel flies to help Argentina defend Olympic title

Source: Xinhua | 08-23-2008 15:51

   BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion Argentina repeated its victory in the final of men's soccer at Beijing Olympics here on Saturday, as striker Angel Di Maria scored the only goal to help the team edge Nigeria to seal the title.

Angel Di Maria (#11) of Argentina makes a goal during the men's  gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at  Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as  the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.  (Xinhua/Li Gang)

    Watched by a crowd of 89,102, Di Maria, already having playing an answer man to matches in group stage, collected a through ball from Lionel Messi and calmly finished the clear shot on the 58th minute, claiming their two consecutive wins at Olympic men's soccer final as they were already crowned four years ago in Athens.

    Messi and his Barcelona teammate Sergio Aguero were not given many chances to score as the Nigerian defenders tried hard to manmark the duo, which, however, also left much space for Di Maria to come up and break Nigeria's defense line.