Argentina to face Nigeria in final

My favorite Argentina crushed Brazil 3-0 in one of football's most combustible rivalries on Tuesday to reach the Olympic final where they will play African giants Nigeria who sauntered past minnows Belgium.

The defending champions, inspired by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi who outshone AC Milan's Ronaldinho, upset their South American neighbors with a brace from Sergio Aguero and penalty by Captain Juan Riquelme.

It means that Brazil, despite being five-time World Cup winners, must wait another four years for a chance to win their first Olympic gold after coming up short twice before in final appearances in 1984 and 1988.

Atletico Madrid's Aguero broke the deadlock seven minutes after the interval when Angel Di Maria's pass appeared to strike his upper arm and flew into the net.

Aguero scored his second five minutes later when Messi released defender Pablo Zabaleta on the right and his pass was slotted home from close range.

Riquelme killed off the game with a 76th minute penalty after Aguero was brought down by Bayern Munich defender Breno.

It was wretched night for the Brazilians with Liverpool midfielder Lucas and substitute Thiago Neves both sent off for ugly fouls on Javier Mascherano late in the second half.

Now I am further sure that Argentina will win the game for the pride and for the gold medal.