Olympic Mens Soccer - Day 2 Roundup

The second games of group play for the Beijing Olympics is in the books and there is tons left to play for to book a place in the coming quarterfinals.   Argentina, Brazil and Italy have all earned qaurterfinal places, but eleven other countries still have hopes of advancing heading into the last group matches.  Only Honduras and Japan have been eliminated.

Group A -
Argentina has advanced and lead the group on 6 points after a slim 1-0 win over Australia today.  Lavezzi scored in the 76th minute for the win.  The Ivory Coast jumped back into contention with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Serbia.  The loss puts Serbia in a bad spot needing a win over Argentina to have hopes.  The Ivory Coast will face Australia in the last group game which will more than likely decide the second team to advance from the group.  Ivory Coast will only need a draw in the game.

Group B -
The USA and Nigeria sit atop the group on 4 points, but don't count out Holland on 2 points.  Holland faces eliminated Japan and could jump over Nigeria or the USA with a win.   The USA put on a great second half show and deserved the win alas a late Holland goal forced a 2-2 draw today.  Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the other game.

Group C -
Brazil is cruising through the group after a 5-0 trouncing of New Zealand today.  Ronaldinho notched two goals in the match.   Belgium looks to be in the best shape to grab the second spot after they defeated the host China squad 2-0.  Belgium faces New Zealand in the last group matches while Brazil faces China.

Group D -
Italy has advanced after winning both group games to sit on 6 points.  Easily considered the weakest of the four groupings, the Italians have noetheless looked very impressive in a pair of 3-0 wins. Cameroon defeated Honduras today to claim the second spot, but still has to face Italy.  A Cameroon loss and a Korea Republic big win over Honduras could see Korea overtake Cameroon on goal differential.