Source: Beijing2008

08-08-2008 07:56

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

(BEIJING, August 7) -- Eight first-round matches in the Olympic Men's Football competition produced only three winners tonight: Brazil, Italy and Argentina, all football powerhouses.

Sebastian Giovinco (C) of Italy stops the ball (Photo Credit: Xinhua)

Argentina's 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire, thanks to Lionel Messi's goal and assist, has given it top place in Group A, with Australia and Serbia in equal second place following their 1-1 draw.

The United States seized a victory over Japan to top Group B, followed by the Netherlands and Nigeria, who played out a goalless draw.

The situation of the other two groups is the same, with wins to Brazil and Italy giving them first place in Group C and Group D. Brazil beat Belgium 1-0, while Italy crushed Honduras 3-0. China and New Zealand are equal second in Group C following their 1-1 draw, and the Republic of Korea and Cameroon are also equal second in Group D following their 1-1 draw.