By Anna Italia
Covering the 2008 Summer Olympics Game in Beijing  from an Italian Perspective


     I am following Brazil - Cameroon because there are two players from the Italian Serie A AC Milan forwards Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho  playing for Brazil.

        It was not an easy SAMBA but Brazil beat Cameroon and pass to Semifinal Against Argentina
                    Brazil  2 - 0 Cameroon   

                                            101'  Rafael Sorbis             
                                            105' Marcelo

Honestly, I was expecting a regular victory within the 90 minutes. Yet, the match went to extra time, playing an additional 30 minutes.  I also was disappointed on not seeing AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato among the called up players after he scored in this Olympics and proved a good football connection with Ronaldinho. Pato was listed in the substitute group and I am still trying to understand why Brazil Coach Carlo Dunga did not use him at all.  The other surprise was that Thiago Neves also was on the bench. Dunga used Thiago Neves in the 66th minute when  substituting Hernanes.

                                 
      Shenyang Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Saturday, August 16, 2008 Quarterfinals Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008  - Here is Ronaldinho signaling his teammates during the match Brazil - Cameroon. Photo: foto-net
 
Good thing was that  the other AC Milan forward Ronaldinho did play the entire match.  Ronaldinho slowly but surely is showing his coming to his best shape. It was  a joy seeing him as Captain of the Brazilian National Olympic Team leading his team towards victory qualifying now for the Semifinal  of the Men's Olympic Football Tournament against Argentina on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 in Beijing.

It was not an easy victory even if they played since the 51st minute against 10 men when Cameroon Albert Baning was sent off for accumulation of 2 yellow cards.

Brazil had to wait until the 101st minute to score the first goal thanks by Rafael Sorbis after an assist by Diego with a long ball.     

Good thing that the second goal came after four minutes in the 105th minute by Marcelo from close range after a combination between Ronaldinho and Thiago Neves.

The real test will be on Tuesday, August 19 when Brazil - Argentina meet for the Semifinal of the Men's Olympic Football Tournament.  

I hope to see Pato back in this Semifinal making good combinations with Ronaldinho to score or provide assists.

Anyway, I celebrated the victories of Argentina and Brazil.  Here I am with Brazil shirt celebrating their victory against Cameroon. 

Big question is: Will it be Samba time celebration or Tango Celebration on Tuesday?
 
It will be a tough match because I like both Brazil and Argentina. 

My blog  Italian Soccer Serie A  officially supports both because they have players from our Italian Serie A. 

                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                    Anna Italia Celebrating
                                                                                                                       Brazil's victory against Cameroon.

Click here  for the PREVIEW: Semifinal Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008  Argentina - Brazil

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Quarterfinals Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 
Brazil 2 - 0 Cameroon
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Shenyang Olympic Sports Center Stadium

Referee: SKOMINA Damir (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: AHAR Primoz (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: STANCIN Marko (SVN)
Fourth official: HESTER Michael (NZL)

CLICK HERE to buy Your Official Brazil National Team Football / Soccer Gear today Home Jersey

CLICK HERE to buy Your Official Argentina National Team Football / Soccer Gear today Home Jersey

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