Men’s Olympic Soccer Round-Up: Day One.

7 August 2008, 10:30 AM. By Alejandro de la Cruz

Group A: Argentina V Ivory Coast: Despite a ruling that clubs aren’t forced to send their players to the Olympics, Lionel Messi stepped up for his nation and started anyway. Take that, team that pays him an enormous salary! Unable to contain him for most of the match, Messi finally broke free and scored in the 43rd minute to give Argentina the lead. That was scrapped almost immediately when Cisse knocked in a 53rd minute goal to draw even. Yet, it was a night for the men in baby blue stipes as Lautaro Acosta netted the game-winner in the 86th minute. Argentina are heavily favored to take this group. [ESPN]

Group B: USA V Japan: The road to ~~bronze~~ gold started out for the US Men’s Olympic Soccer team with a victory against Japan. Stuart Holden provided the sole goal for the US team after his shot trickled passed Japan’s goal keeper. The rest of Group B is set to play tomorrow at the butt-crack of dawn. Nigeria and the Dutch are heavily favored to rank 1 and 2 in the group, but we’ll show them what’s up, right America? Right! Japan 0, USA 1. [AP]
Group C: Brazil V Japan: Brazil is arguably the most celebrated team on the face of the earth. They’ve won more World Cup titles than any other nation. But, surprisingly, they have never achieved Olympic gold. By the looks of their performance against Belgium, we’re not confident enough to entrust them with the glorified badge of “medal contender.” Brazil 1, Belgium 0. [ESPN]
Group D: Italy V Honduras: Italy didn’t provide any chances for Honduras to capitalize. Within ten minutes, the Italians were up 3 goals, which included two penalties, and they never looked back. Italy 3, Honduras 0. [CBC]