Olympic Football Men's 19th August

[MickeyPaul]

Anyone any tips, news or fancies for these matches? Odds from bet365

19 Aug 11:00 Nigeria U23 v Belgium U23 2.25 3.25 3.20
19 Aug 14:00 Argentina U23 v Brazil U23 2.40 3.20 3.00

I'd be willing to chance Belgium at what appears decent odds even though I haven't seen them play. They have sounded like a useful and solid side though (and that win against Italy is quite impressive) and I wasn't particularly impressed with the Nigerians in the two games I saw them in.

They do fine when you give them space but overall there appears little shape or organisation about them. I recall them leading 2-1 against Japan with 3 minutes to go and 7-8 players piling forward. It was madness. The USA were a bit unfortunate against them I thought - down to ten men after 3 minutes and creating a few chances. Hit the bar in the last minute too. I think the Americans would have grabbed at least a draw with 11 men.

Anyways. I'll stick my neck out and say.... Belgium won't lose. 1.57 for the X2 @ bet365 - ehhhm. I'd feel better if I could see some of their play though. I'm away to look for highlights.

As for the other game I haven't seen either of them play. I was surprised Argentina could only draw with Holland over 90 minutes as I thought the Dutch defence was awful when I saw them against USA (really, really). They were very ordinary overall in my opinion. Not sure I could back Brazil based on that alone though so I'll leave that game to whoever fancies posting something.

Belgium/Brazil not to lose double is @ 2.4..... I.... I..... dunno. I'm away to search for some stuff that might help me. Plenty of time yet.

[MickeyPaul]

Blimey. Just watching (brief) highlights of Belgium's 2-3 win over Italy. I didn't know Belgium were down to 10 quite early on. And Italy scored with 2 penalties. Hmmm. Belgium didn't look quite as solid at the back there as I'd imagined (that's a real worry) but I can see them causing Nigeria problems (especially if Nigeria are tempted to pile men forward and lose their discipline a bit). Belgium could suck them in and hit on the break. Maybe. Couple of very nice finishes from Belgium there. Uh huh.

I'm aware this could go tits up mind. The Nigerians sound like they finally learned to play as a team in the 2-0 win over Ivory Coast but I'd still be willing to chance the chocolate loving Belgians to do something lovely.

I don't suppose anyone knows if this game is being shown on the BBC website or anywhere in fact? I'll be mighty pissed off if it isn't. Feel free to not reply. Thanks.

[MickeyPaul]

Wowsers. I might be able to get 3.65-3.70 for Belgium on betfair and I really think that's too generous. It is isn't it? I'm taking it anyway. I'll take 3.6 in fact. May God be with me.

I'm on @ 3.65. A wee medium chunk of points. Go Belgium.

[MickeyPaul]

There's some news/interviews on the Fifa site:

Argentina - Brazil

In the most recent meeting between the two nations barely six weeks ago, a goalless draw in a qualifying match for South Africa 2010, Dunga and his men were booed off the field by their irate fans. Even so, his confidence and that of his younger charges remains undiminished. "The team knows the difficulties we've had just to get this far, and they're pleased to have reached this stage of the competition. They are confident, secure in themselves and they know what they want. That's vital when the time comes to battle it out for the right result."

More Argentina - Brazil

As for Beijing 2008, both sides have barely put a foot wrong in reaching the last four, having won all four of their respective matches. But with Brazil still to concede a goal in the tournament and Argentina having put together ten consecutive Olympic wins, something has to give on Tuesday.

The cast list for the Beijing blockbuster could hardly be more impressive. Skippering their sides will be Ronaldinho and Juan Roman Riquelme, the symbols of a golden generation of players and the protagonists of one of the most eagerly awaited personal duels of the tournament. The stellar quartet of Alexandre Pato, Sergio Aguero, Diego and Lionel Messi will ensure the pace does not slacken in an encounter that will either see the Albiceleste win the right to defend their title or the Seleção earn a tilt at seizing gold for the first time in their history.

[MickeyPaul]

Nigeria - Belgium

The Belgians' achievement in reaching the last four of Beijing 2008 cannot be underestimated. With injury concerns, suspended players and a general lack of big-name stars in the side after the return of Vincent Kompany to German club Hamburg, the Northern Europeans are very much the outsiders of the semi-final round. But after twice coming from behind to beat star-studded Italy in the quarter-finals, the Red Devils are growing in confidence.

"We are a team with few stars, but a strong will," Moussa Dembele, scorer of a pair of goals in the 3-2 win over Italy on Saturday, told FIFA.com. After the Belgians were reduced to ten men and conceded a penalty in the 18th minute, they sprang into action. "Because we play as a team, we were able to keep our cool and even get better after going down a goal and down a man."

More Nigeria - Belgium

Following the 2-0 over Cote d'Ivoire, Siasia praised his players for sticking to their gameplan, something which he felt was lacking in the group games against Netherlands, Japan and USA. Odemwingie feels that the criticism from the coach was justified, but points to the fact that there is evidence that his team-mates are losing their naivety.

"We've improved a lot, which you can tell by looking at our results," he continued. "We didn't score in the first game, in the second and third games we won 2-1 and in the quarter-final we still scored two, but kept a clean sheet. I was pleased that we did that, because it showed that we were strong and organised and that we'd taken a step forward from the USA and Japan matches.

Pah! I'm not scared. Well, a wee bit.

[edinlichtie]

Mon the Belgians!

[MickeyPaul]

bet365 went to 3.40 and 1.65 for them not to lose.

I reeeeally want to watch this though. Is it anywhere? Anyone?

edit: they actually have belgium @ 3.5 on the live-in play

[MickeyPaul]

Found it. Thanks me.

BBC SPORT | Olympics | Live action | Live - Olympics

edit: THE FUCKING TRUMPET PLAYER IS BACK!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MickeyPaul]

Some real howlers from Belgium when getting into good positions. It does look like they can suck Nigeria in and then counter.

I really was hoping they'd be a bit more solid looking though.

Luckily, Nigeria for the most part are shit when attacking as they were when I saw them previously. They do attack a lot mind.

And of course they score right after I say that.

[MickeyPaul]

How in the name of fart did Belgium not equalise there?

[MickeyPaul]

Belgium doing it to themselves. Give the ball away sooooo cheaply with huge gaps at the back. Dear oh dear. This isn't going to be a fun game at all.

And how the fuck did they fail to equalise again. Blast and bother.

And now a clear onside given off. Damn this to hell.

[MickeyPaul]

Nooooooooooooo. Fantastic save by Nigeria keeper - tips it onto the bar and follows up with another great save. COME ON BELGIUM!!!!!

Bollocks to it. I turned away to watch Hoy and they scored again. Comeback time? Not bloody likely is it? Think I'll go to the pub and beat up Belgians.