ARGENTINA CLAIM FOOTBALL GOLD
Angel di Maria's second-half goal secured gold for Argentina after a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the Bird's Nest on Saturday.

Inspired by Lionel Messi, the South Americans gained revenge for their defeat in the 1996 final in Atlanta when Nigeria became the first African country to win the title.

A cagey first-half was short on opportunities, with Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie looping a header over the crossbar.

Di Maria then unleashed a vicious strike that Nigerian keeper Ambruse Vanzekin did well to turn aside just before the break, but he had his breakthrough on 58 minutes.

Messi rolled a perfect pass into the Benfica midfielder's path and he raced clear before chipping the ball over over the on-rushing Ambruse Vanzekin.

Everton's Victor Anichebe came closest to an equaliser for Nigeria but was twice denied by some brilliant goalkeeping as Argentina held on.



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