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Iraqi's Olympic fairytale continues
Iraq is the fairytale story of the Olympic games in Athens. Just making the games in the first place is extraordinary enough after they had been suspended by the IOC up until one month prior to the games began. And it's their football side making the headlines. In what was described as the ultimate Olympic mismatch by commentators, Iraq took their opening round match against Portugal to their opponents. They came out with a 4-2 victory, turning the ultimate mismatch into the ultimate shock result. For a side reportedly that trained in sheep paddocks, defeating the second placed Euro 2004 side was a huge result.
But that wasn't the only positive to come. Iraq faced an equally difficult opponent in Costa Rica, who had been represented at the world cup two years ago and had finished ahead of the USA and Jamaica to make it to the Olympics. Iraq shrugged past the Costa Ricans though, winning 2-0. Finally they faced Morroco. They had already qualified for the quarter finals and that might have been why they slumped a little, going down 1-2 to the African representatives.
However Iraq proved why they are the Olympic surprise packets against the Aussies when they knocked out the only Oceania representative by 1-0. In a match dominated by Australia's attack, Iraq took their opportunities when Emad Mohammed hit a sweet bicycle kick to put them ahead and send the Iraqi fans off.
Now Iraq has a shot at a medal. But their first challenge is in the shape of Paraguay. No easy task, especially since every team left is vying for gold. It would be the ultimate ending to the ultimate Olympic fairytale should Iraq progress to the final and win gold.
In other quarter final results, Argentina thumped Costa Rica 4-0. Carlos Tevez scored a hat-trick while Cesar Delgardo opened the scoring. Paraguay survived a late scare from the Korea Republic winning 3-2. Fredy Bareiro scored twice for the South Americans while Jose Cardozo scored a single. Chun Soo Lee scored twice for teh Koreans. And Italy had to wait until extra time to beat Mali. Cesare Bovo gave Italy the lead with four minutes remaining and held on to defeat the plucky Africans.
In the womens tornament Sweden defeated Australia 2-1 (See Australian news below). Germany scored two late goals to overcome Nigeria 2-1. Steffi Jones and Conny Pohlers scored the defiining goals while Mercy Akide gave the Nigerians some hope. The USA overcame a tough Japan 2-1. Kristine Lilly and Abby Wambach scoring for the Americans while Japans Emi Yamamoto provided an equiliser. Meanwhile brazil provided a footballing lesson to Mexico, defeating them 5-0. Cristian and Formiga both scoring doubles while Marta completed the flogging.
22 August, 2004 |
