Goals Scored: NDIAYE Tenema (MLI) 7 ' , NDIAYE Tenema (MLI) 24 ' , NDIAYE Tenema (MLI) 55 ' , CHO Jae Jin (KOR) 57 ' , CHO Jae Jin (KOR) 59 ' , TAMBOURA Adama (MLI) 64 ' Own Goal  
 
올림픽대표팀, 조 2위로 올림픽 본선 8강 진출  
 
김호곤 감독이 이끄는 한국 올림픽대표팀이 2004 아테네 올림픽 8강에 진출하는 쾌거를 이룩했다. 

한국은 18일 새벽(이하 한국시간) 그리스 테살로니키 카프탄조글리오스타디움에서 벌어진 말리와의 A조 예선 최종전에서 은디아예(스파시엥)에게 해트트릭을 허용하며 3골 차로 뒤졌으나 후반 조재진(시미즈)의 연속골과 상대 자책골로 따라잡으며 3-3 무승부를 기록했다. 

조별 예선에서 1승2무를 기록한 한국은 승점 5점으로 말리와 동률을 이뤘으나 골득실차로 조 2위를 기록, 8강 자력 진출에 성공했다. 한국축구가 올림픽 8강에 진출한 것은 토너먼트로 치러진 48년 런던올림픽 이후 56년만이다. 

무엇보다 8강행 문턱에서 번번이 고배를 들었던 이전 대회들의 악몽을 깨끗이 털어냈다는 것이 큰 소득이다. 2002년 월드컵 이후 각급 대표팀이 국제무대에서 진일보한 성적을 거두며 자신감을 갖게 된 것도 주목할 점. 

이날 경기에서 한국은 그리스전과 동일한 3-4-3 시스템을 들고 나섰다. 골문은 변함없이 김영광(전남)이 지키는 가운데 수비라인은 김치곤(서울)-유상철(요코하마)-조병국(수원)의 스리백으로 재편됐다. 

미드필드 라인은 1, 2차 예선과 동일한 멤버로 구성됐다. 중앙 수비형 미드필더에는 김두현(수원)과 김정우(울산)가 짝을 이뤘고, 좌우 측면에는 각각 김동진(서울)과 박규선(전북)이 선발 출장했다. 

최전방 스리톱에는 조재진을 꼭지점으로 좌우 측면 공격수로 이천수(레알 소시에다드)와 최태욱(인천)이 나란히 포진한 모습. 

전반- 한국, 공수 밸런스 무너지며 말리에 2골 허용 

여러모로 아쉬움이 남는 전반전이었다. 수비라인이 채 정비되기도 전에 한골을 내주며 불안한 출발을 보인 한국은 전반 중반 다시 추가골을 터트린 말리를 쫓아가기에 급급했다. 

선제골로 승기를 잡는 것이 중요했던 한국으로서는 경기 초반 말리에 일격을 맞은 충격이 컸다. 
 
한국은 강한 체력을 바탕으로 미드필드에서의 압박과 빠른 측면 침투로 상대 수비라인을 분쇄하던 강점을 상실한 채 상대에 주도권을 내줬다. 부정확한 전진패스 역시 번번이 차단당하며 답답한 공격 흐름을 보였다. 
공수에서 균형이 무너지며 고전하던 한국은 전반 막판에야 미드필드에서 적극성을 보이며 상대 흐름을 차단하기 시작했고, 미드필드를 거친 볼이 문전에 이르며 비로소 공격력을 회복했다. 

한국이 말리에 첫 골을 허용한 것은 전반 7분. 미드필드에서 볼을 차단하지 못하고 은디아예를 놓친 것이 화근이었다. 은디아예는 한국 수비라인을 한번에 무너뜨리는 D.트라오레(이스마일리)의 스루패스를 받아 그물을 갈랐다. 이 과정에서 은디아예가 명백한 핸들링 반칙을 범했으나 이를 보지 못한 주심은 그대로 골로 인정했다. 

말리는 첫 골을 쉽게 낚은 이후 미드필드부터 두텁게 수비벽을 세우며 한층 여유있는 운영을 보였다. 수비라인에서 천천히 볼을 돌리다가도 기습적으로 전방의 개인기 좋은 선수들에게 볼을 떨어뜨리는 모습. 특히 한국 수비라인 뒷공간으로 빠져나가는 은디아예의 움직임이 위협적이었다. 

한국이 이렇다할 찬스를 잡지 못하고 고전하는 사이 말리에 다시 득점 기회가 났다. 전반 22분 한국 진영 페널티 오른쪽 외곽에서 프리킥을 얻은 것. 말리는 쿨리발리(ASB)의 프리킥이 크로스바를 맞고 튀어나오자 골지역 정면에서 기다리고 있던 은디아예가 가슴 트래핑 후 왼발로 강하게 차 넣으며 추가골을 성공시켰다. 쿨리발리가 킥을 시도하는 동시에 수비라인에서 빠져 나가며 완벽한 기회를 만든 은디아예의 움직임이 돋보였던 순간. 

2골 차로 벌어진 후에도 답답한 흐름을 풀어가지 못한 한국은 전반 29분에야 서서히 공격 물꼬를 트기 시작했다. 모처럼 김두현의 스루패스가 수비 뒷공간의 이천수와 박규선 사이에 떨어졌고, 이천수가 미끄러지며 슈팅까지 연결한 것. 위력이 약해 골키퍼 바틸리 품에 안긴 볼이었지만 이날 경기에서 처음으로 나왔던 좋은 찬스였다. 
1분 뒤에는 최태욱이 왼쪽 측면으로 내준 볼을 조재진이 중앙으로 띄우며 다시 한 번 찬스를 맞이했으나 김정우 머리 맞고 뜨는 볼이었다. 

전반 35분 양팀 벤치는 나란히 선수교체를 단행했다. 말리는 ‘전술의 핵’인 시소코(발레시아)를 쉬게하는 대신 두쿠르를 투입하며 한국의 공격 흐름을 끊었고, 한국은 부진한 움직임을 보인 최태욱을 빼고 정경호(울산)를 투입하며 공격을 더욱 강화했다. 

한국은 선수 교체 후 공격에 활기를 띄었고 전반 막판에는 최종 수비라인의 유상철까지 공격에 가세하며 총력전을 펼쳤다. 42분에는 김두현이 미드필드 중앙에서 볼을 잡아 전방으로 길게 넘겨준 것을 유상철이 엔드라인 근처에서 살려 중앙으로 띄우며 찬스가 나는 듯 했다. 그러나 조재진이 헤딩슛으로 연결한 볼은 바틸리 손에 맞고 나오며 말리 수비가 걷어냈다. 

추가시간이 적용된 47분에는 페널티지역 내 좁은 공간에서 이천수가 정경호와 패스를 주고 받으며 슈팅까지 시도했으나 다시 바틸리 손 맞고 나오며 골로 연결되지 못했다. 

후반- 화끈한 골잔치 벌인 끝에 한국 8강 진출! 

‘8강 진출’에의 결연한 의지를 다진 듯 후반 들어 한국은 한층 매서운 공세를 보였다. 후반 초반 적극적인 공격으로 상대를 압박하기 시작하면서 오른쪽 측면의 움직임도 살아나는 모습. 
 

후반 5분에는 페널티지역에서 말리 수비수의 볼 처리가 늦은 틈을 타 한국 공격수 세 명이 순식간에 에워싸며 빼낸 볼을 조재진이 왼발 슛으로 연결했다. 비록 수비수 맞고 바틸리 품에 안긴 볼이었지만 위협적인 움직임이었다. 
 
후반 10분까지 한국의 공세에 주춤하던 말리는 모처럼의 역습 찬스를 골로 연결하며 한국의 추격 의지를 꺾었다. 페널티지역 정면에서 은디아예가 왼쪽으로 패스한 볼을 조병국이 걷어낸다는 것이 다시 문전으로 대시하는 은디아예 앞에 떨어뜨려놓는 모양이 된 것. 은디아예는 여유 있게 추가골을 성공시키며 한국을 상대로 해트트릭을 기록했다. 

그러나 대반전은 이제부터 시작이었다. 앞선 경기들에서 다소 부진한 모습을 보였던 ‘주포’ 조재진이 후반 12분 기어이 만회골을 터트리며 포효하기 시작한 것. 조재진은 페널티지역 왼쪽에서 김동진이 띄워준 볼을 문전에서 뛰어올라 머리로 찍어 내리며 대회 첫 골을 신고했다. 

한국에 다시 환호가 울린 것은 불과 2분 뒤. 이번에도 김동진-조재진의 합작품이었다. 김동진이 미드필드 좌중간에서 감아 올린 볼을 문전에서 자유로이 있던 조재진이 헤딩슛으로 골문에 밀어 넣으며 한국의 2번째 골을 성공시켰다. 

조재진의 연속골로 기세가 오른 한국은 김두현 대신 최성국이 투입되면서 공격의 고삐를 더욱 세게 당겼다. 유상철이 미드필드로 올라가면서 적극적인 공격 가담에 나서고 발 빠르고 기술 좋은 이천수와 최성국의 움직임으로 말리를 흔들겠다는 의도. 경기 템포가 빨라지면서 수비라인의 집중력도 한층 살아나는 모습이었다. 

최성국이 투입된 공격라인은 활기를 띄며 전방에서부터 압박으로 상대의 패스 연결을 끊어놓았고, 경기는 자연스럽게 한국에 유리한 형세로 흘렀다. 

한국 축구의 역사가 다시 쓰인 순간은 후반 18분. 교체 투입 이후 공격에 활기를 불어넣은 최성국의 발끝에서 만들어졌다. 최성국은 유상철이 왼쪽 측면으로 길게 내준 볼을 받아 빠른 돌파로 상대 수비를 제친 후 문전으로 날카로운 크로스를 올렸고, 이것을 탐브라가 헤딩으로 걷어내려던 것이 골문으로 들어가며 동점이 됐다. 한국의 8강 진출을 결정지은 행운의 골이었다. 

3골 차로 뒤지던 한국은 순식간에 동점을 만든 이후 조심스럽게 볼을 돌리며 숨고르기에 나섰다. 거의 모든 선수들이 미드필드부터 수비에 가담하며 보다 경기 운영에 보다 신중을 기했다. 말리 역시 정상적인 경기 운영을 위해 선수 교체 후 안정적으로 볼처리 하는 모습. 

한국은 후반 36분 말리의 기습 공세에 마지막 위기를 맞이했으나 김영광이 펀칭하며 막아냈고, 페널티지역 오른쪽에서 이어진 은디아예의 강한 슈팅은 크로스바를 맞고 나오며 위기를 넘겼다. 

이후 추가시간까지 균형을 잘 유지한 한국은 3-3 무승부로 경기를 마무리하며 자력으로 8강 진출을 확정지었다. 
 

- A조 경기결과 - 

한국(1승 2무) 3-3 말리(1승 2무) 
->득점: 조재진(후12, 후14), 탐브라 자책골(후18, 이상 한국), 은디아예(전7, 전22, 후 10 말리) 

멕시코(1승 1무 1패) 3-2 그리스(1무 2패) 
 

- 한국 출전선수명단 - 

GK: 김영광 
DF: 조병국, 유상철, 김치곤 
MF: 박규선, 김정우, 김두현(후13 최성국), 김동진 
FW: 최태욱(전35 정경호), 조재진(후 45 남궁도), 이천수 
 
[KFA 대한축구협회] 

[#20] Greece : Mexico = 2 : 3 
17 aug 2004 VOLOS /Panthessaliko Stadium  

Goals Scored: MARQUEZ Rafael (MEX) 47 ' , BRAVO Omar (MEX) 70 ' , TARALIDIS Ioannis (GRE) 82 ' penalty , BRAVO Omar (MEX) 86 ' , STOLTIDIS Ieroklis (GRE) 93+ '  
 

Goals Scored: D ALESSANDRO Andres (ARG) 9 '  
  

[#18] Serbia and Montenegro - Tunisia = 2 : 3 
17 aug 2004 PATRAS /Pampeloponnisiako Stadium  

Goals Scored: CLAYTON (TUN) 41 ' , KRASIC Milos (SCG) 70 ' , JEDIDI Mohamed (TUN) 83 ' penalty , VUKCEVIC Simon (SCG) 87 ' , ZITOUNI Ali (TUN) 89 '  
 

The concluding matches of Group A and Group C of the Olympic Football Tournament got underway with only Argentina already guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals. Serbia and Montenegro knew that having failed to register any points so far they only had their pride to play for, but all the other teams were still in with a shout of progressing. The drama unfolded as follows: 

Korea Republic 0-1 Mali, Thessaloniki, 7th minute 
Mali wasted no time showing they meant business. Just seven minutes in, Tenema Ndiaye, who had scored against Greece in a previous match, fired his country into the lead. At that point, with Mexico and Greece still goalless in the other game, both the Malians and the Koreans were through.  

Argentina 1-0 Australia, Athens, 9th minute 
Argentina have exuded quality in everything they have done so far in the Tournament and though they knew they were already safely through to the next round they had no intention of going easy on the Olyroos. Nine minutes in, young Wolfsburg sensation Andr?s d'Alessandro plundered his first goal of the tournament. Tunisia would need to beat Serbia and Montenegro by five clear goals, but bearing in mind the Europeans had already conceded 11 goals in two matches, nobody was ruling that out … 
  
Korea Republic 0-2 Mali, Thessaloniki, 24th minute 
Mali were lording it over the Asians and Ndiaye was having a particularly productive day at the office. After a thunderous free-kick from Mamadou Diallo crashed off the bar, the CS Sfaxien striker latched on to the rebound and steered the ball home for his, and his side's, second goal. The bad news for Mali, however, was that play-maker Momo Sissoko sustained an injury and could take no further part in the game. Meanwhile, the Koreans still had no cause for panic as the score sheet was blank between Greece and Mexico. 

Serbia and Montenegro 0-1 Tunisia, Patras, 41st minute 
Time for Australia to start worrying as Tunisia draw level with them on four points by going 1-0 up in Patras through a magnificent strike from Clayton - the Esp?rance front-man produced a magical flick with the outside of his boot to divert a cross high into the net. Tunisia knew they required at least four more goals to grab a quarter-final spot. 
  
Greece 0-1 Mexico, Volos, 47th minute 
Mexico have failed to ignite since the beginning of the competition and they nearly fell behind in the first half tonight when, after 42 minutes, Panagiotis Lagos picked out Dimitrios Papadopoulos on the edge of the six yard box but the striker failed to find the target. The Central Americans perked up in the second period though, and stole a march on the profligate Greeks just two minutes after the break. Rafael Marquez got on the end of a clever Zinha pass and from ten yards out he sent the ball past the Korean goalkeeper and into the net. That strike meant Mexico leapfrogged the Koreans by virtue of their better goal difference (0 for Mexico, -1 for Korea Republic) 
  
Korea Republic 0-3 Mali, Thessaloniki, 55th minute 
There was no end in sight to Ndiaye's one-man show in Thessaloniki. Ten minutes into the second half, the Malian claimed a fine hat-trick and in the process became the tournament's top scorer (four goals). Korea hit rock bottom and it seemed like they would shortly be boarding a flight home.  But the night was still young … 

Korea Republic 1-3 Mali, Thessaloniki, 57th minute 
An improbable fight-back begins in Kaftanzoglio Stadium as Jae Jin Cho diverts a teasing cross into the net. The Koreans suddenly have renewed spring in their stride … 

Korea Republic 2-3 Mali, Thessaloniki, 59th minute 
Two minutes after opening their account, the Koreans double their score, and again it is that man Jae Jin Cho who delivers the decisive touch, and again with his head. It is still not enough for the Asians, however, as the Mexicans remain ahead on goal difference (with 0 as opposed to -1 for the Koreans). 

Korea Republic 3-3 Mali, Thessaloniki, 64?me minute 
The Koreans are suddenly tearing all sorts of holes in the Malian defence and just seven minutes after getting off the mark they grab an incredible equaliser when Adama Tamboura attempts to cut out a vicious cross but only succeeds in diverting it into his own net. As things stad, both teams are now into the quarter-finals - it would suit them quite nicely if there were no more goals. 

Greece 0-2 Mexico, Volos, 70th minute 
Mexico have not given up hope and embellish their goal difference, which could come in handy if there are any further developments in Thessaloniki. The Koreans are still one point ahead and Omar Bravo's close-range strike looks like mere consolation - but there is plenty of time for things to change and the goal could yet prove crucial. 

Serbia and Montenegro 1-1 Tunisia, Patras, 70th minute 
Heartache for Tunisia! After suffering two heavy drubbings, the Serbians suddenly find their shooting boots. Andrija Delibasic profits from a mistake in the Tunisian defence and knocks the ball to Milos Krasic who immediately drills it past Khaled Fadhel for the equaliser. The goal provides welcome relief for Australia, who are still trailing Argentina in the group's other game and for whom John Aloisi and Brett Holman have squandered clear chances. 
  
Greece 1-2 Mexico, Volos, 82nd minute 
The huge home crowd in Volos finally get something to cheer as Ioannis Taralidis brings Greece back into the match and dents Mexico's quarter-final bid by converting a penalty. Mexico face elimination as the clock ticks down … 

Serbia and Montenegro 1-2 Tunisia, Patras, 83rd minute 
Tunisia are not prepared to go down without a fight and they regain the advantage thanks to the composure of Mohamed Jedid. After awarding the Tunisians a penalty, referee Charles Ariiotima spies repeated encroachment and orders the spot-kick to be retaken until he is satisfied no one has entered the box prematurely - Jedid's goal is eventually allowed to stand after six attempts! Tunisia now have the same points total as Australia again, but are still four goals worse off. 

Greece 1:3 Mexico, Volos, 86th minute 
Mexico are still refusing to accept elimination and make the Koreans and Malians sweat right till the end. Omar Bravo picked up a sublime Ismael Iniguez pass to plunder his second goal of the game. At almost exactly the same time in Thessaloniki the irrepressible Ndiaye comes within centimetres of putting Mali back in front and Mexico into the quarter-finals, but his shot comes back off the woodwork … 

Serbia and Montenegro 2-2 Tunisia, Patras, 87?me minute 
The amazing second half in Patras continues as Simon Vukcevic taps the ball home from close range to bring his side level and virtually seal Tunisia's elimination. Laabibi's men now only have three minutes to hit five goals. 
  
Serbia and Montenegro 2-3 Tunisia, Patras, 89th minute 
Five goals were to prove too steep a mountain to climb, but the Tunisians at least ensured they could return home with their heads held high by snatching a last-gasp winner via a lovely Ali Zitouni header. Pleased though they must be by the victory, the North Africans were probably left thinking about what might have been if they had just managed to score a few more goals, since in the end Australia scraped through by having a better goal difference (+3 compared to -1). Australian joy was tempered by the knowledge that three of their most important players - Craig Moore, Tim Cahill and Ahmad Elrich- will be suspended for the quarter-final. 

Greece 2-3 Mexico, Volos, 93rd + minute 
The Mexicans are also left to rue missed chances as they concede a goal deep into injury time from Ieroklis Stoltidis just moments after Amaury Ponce had driven a free-kick against the post. Even if that shot had gone in however, the draw between Mali and Korea Republic, which had looked likely ever since the Koreans had got their amazing equaliser, meant Mexico would still have been knocked out. 
 

Paraguay through in style, Italy via the back door (1:0) 

Goals Scored: BAREIRO Fredy (PAR) 14 '  
 
On a balmy night in the packed Karaiskaki Stadium in Athens, a peach of a header by Fredy Barreiro was enough to fire Paraguay into the last eight of the Olympic Football Tournament. Despite surrendering top spot in Group B to the South Americans, Italy's blushes were spared when word came through of Ghana's defeat by Japan. That surprise result handed the Azzurri runners-up spot and a place in the quarter-finals too. There they will face the African hopefuls Mali while Paraguay take on Korea Republic.  
  
The European champions just could not match the South Americans for commitment on the night. Paraguay, after taking the lead early on, went on to control the game to perfection. Their veteran coach Carlos Jara left nothing to chance, even opting for their yellow change strip for the decisive match. Coincidence or not, Paraguay's only previous win in Greece had also been in yellow. 

Yet it was the Italians who had the better of the early exchanges. Their talented youngster Andrea Pirlo, by times languid by times deadly, wasted little time getting Diego Barreto's goal in his sights. The AC Milan midfielder whipped in a measured cross which Alberto Gilardino met perfectly only to see his effort come back off the post. Following up, from point blank range, Daniele De Rossi missed the rebound and a great chance to open the scoring (4'). 

Paraguay, whose aerial prowess is second to none in South America, were not in such a generous frame of mind. First Carlos Gamarra saw his header blocked after a centre by Emilio Mart?nez (7') before Fredy Bareiro, the hero of the Olympic qualifiers, broke the deadlock. The Libertad front man rose perfectly in the area to meet a Aureliano Torres cross and head past the helpless Iv?n Pelizzoli in goal(1-0; 14'). 

Shaken by the early goal, the Azzurri tried to hit back immediately. Crosses came in thick and fast and caused endless problems in the Albirrojo defence. Gilardino, finally getting on the end of one, looked to have done enough, but the outstretched leg of Barreto brought an audible groan from the striker and kept the South Americans in front (17'). 

Paraguay's best player in the first half was probably Barreiro. He followed a neat one-two with Jos? Cardozo with a gently placed right foot strike which Pelizzoli could only parry. The rebound fell perfectly to Pablo Gim?nez, who with more time than he realised, nervously blasted his effort over the crossbar (28'). 
  
The last clear-cut chances of a frantic first half fell to Italy's Giuseppe Sculli. First he went close with a header from a right wing cross by Daniele Bonera (43'); then moments later he fluffed an even better chance. All alone, with only Barreto between him and glory, he leaned back and fired the ball into the upper stands (46+). The horror on the faces of the Italian fans was evident, as groans of exasperation accompanied the action replay on the stadium's giant screen. 

The second half picked up where the first 45 had left off, with Pirlo battling to control midfield and Gilardino attempting to outrun Carlos Gamarra. When the Parma front man finally beat the veteran defender, he found Barreto once again in unbeatable form (54'). 

Sensing the danger, Carlos Jara decided to strengthen his rearguard by bringing on Celso Esquivel and Ernesto Cristaldo. Claudio Gentile, meanwhile, opted to stick with his formation, limiting his changes to players in the same position. Gentile said afterwards: "This defeat hurt, but we're aware that conceding just one goal was the reason we qualified for the quarter-finals. That was the most important thing: to make it to the next round." 

Jos? Cardozo, feeling the strain of ploughing a lonely furrow up front all game, was mercifully replaced by Julio Gonz?lez. The fresh pair of legs almost did the trick, but the substitute striker's superb late effort brought an equally brilliant response from Pelizzoli - and a generous ovation from the crowd (76'). "Perhaps we neglected our attack a bit until Gonz?lez came on, but I didn't want to risk a repeat of what happened against Ghana. Fortunately, it worked out well, and we held on," remarked a jubilant Jara after the game. 

The last chance of the match came from a De Rossi strike from range. The powerfully hit shot was goalbound until the invincible Barreto made yet another spectacular save (87'). There was no time for more, and Italy, who are renowned the world over for their defensive discipline, had received a taste of their own medicine. "We beat them at their own game. They are masters at getting men behind the ball, breaking quickly, and inflicting maximum damage. Tonight it was our turn," said Paraguay's talismanic stopper Carlos Gamarra. 
  

[#24] Japan : Ghana = 1 : 0 
18 aug 2004 VOLOS /Panthessaliko Stadium  

Defeat to Japan spells shock exit for Ghana (1-0) 

Goals Scored: OKUBO Yoshito (JPN) 37 '  
 
Ghana, hailed as potential medal hopefuls after fine displays against Italy and Paraguay, crashed out of the men's Olympic Football tournament after a dismal showing in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Japan. In contrast, the Asian side, already eliminated after losing their first two games, showed commendable desire and rounded off their Greek adventure with a flourish.  
  
The Africans went into the match knowing a point would suffice for a place in the last eight, regardless of the result between Italy and Paraguay in the second game of the night. Ghana created the first chance in a scrappy opening as the Japanese, mindful of the devastating early goals conceded against Paraguay and Italy, retreated to the safety of their own half. With 10 minutes played, Asamoah Gyan latched onto a dreadful Yasuyuki Konno back-pass, but after winning a 30-metre sprint duel, the striker fired wide from 15 metres. Yoshito Okubo signalled Japan's arrival as an attacking force three minutes later with a fulminating 20 metre drive as the Asians increasingly gained the upper hand. Konno's header was scrambled clear by the Ghanaian defence following a superb 18th minute lay-off from Yuki Abe as the Africans concentrated on maintaining the stalemate. William Tiero at least showed a sign of attacking life with a hopeful poke midway through the half. 
  
Japan's best chance fell to Shinji Ono on the half-hour but Ghana keeper George Owu pulled off a fabulous stop as the Japanese captain rattled in a 30 metre free-kick. Naohiro Ishikawa was causing mayhem down the right flank and Daiki Takamatsu was inches away from connecting with the winger's 33rd minute cross.  

With eight minutes remaining until the break, Japan were rewarded for their positive efforts and Ghana punished for their passive attitude as Naoya Kikuchi launched a hopeful punt from the centre-circle for Okubo to loop a header from the corner of the box over the onrushing Owu, caught way off his line in no-man's land (1-0). Ghana looked for an immediate response but Gyan drove wide from 15 metres after an impressive solo run. Ono immediately came close to doubling the Japanese advantage on 44 minutes with a spectacular volleyed effort. 

Ghana emerged from the dressing room in determined mood and Tiero had the first chance of the second period after 53 minutes, but his long-range shot whistled past the post. Gyan squandered a golden opportunity to level a minute later as keeper Sogahata made a hash of a back-pass but the striker failed to net from 11 metres. Knowing they faced an early exit from the tournament, the Africans piled forward and Gyan almost made the pressure tell after 57 minutes. 

The Japanese countered and after 61 minutes Takamatsu tested Owu from 15 metres, but the keeper got down well and pulled off a blinding reflex stop with his right hand. Ghana looked short of inspiration and heads started to drop. Stephen Appiah, a source of all that was good in the first two matches, practically vanished in the midfield morass. With the Africans stretched in the closing phase, Japan neglected to make the game safe five minutes from time as Owu again showed off his goalkeeping prowess against Takamatsu. Ghana launched a final desperate onslaught and with three minutes remaining substitute Kwadwo Poku fired goalwards but keeper Sogahata made a fine fingertip save. 

Reflected Ghana coach Mariano Barreto afterwards: "That's football. My players knew they were in a good position going into the game, but Japan were very strong today. You have to say we were a bit unlucky with the goal; you don't see that every day. I'd like to congratulate my players as they've shown they can compete with the best in this tournament and the future looks bright for them. Good luck to Italy and Paraguay, and safe journey home to Japan." Commented Japan coach Masakuni Yamamoto: "We've deserved to win today. We kept it very tight at the back. This team has steadily improved over the last two years. Our big target is the 2006 World Cup, and we've picked up a huge amount of experience here." 
 
 

Heroic Costa Rica send Portuguese packing (4:2) 

Goals Scored: HUGO ALMEIDA (POR) 29 ' , VILLALOBOS Jose (CRC) 50 ' , JORGE RIBEIRO (POR) 54 ' , FERNANDO MEIRA (POR) 68 ' Own Goal , SABORIO Alvaro (CRC) 71 ' , BRENES Pablo (CRC) 91 '  

What an incredible evening in Heraklion! While the nightmare scenario came to pass for Portugal, Costa Ricans saw their wildest dreams come true. By winning 4-2, the Ticos consigned their European opponents to an ignominious elimination and qualified for the quarter-finals by virtue of having scored one goal more than Morocco. The result meant that the North Africans' valiant 2-1 triumph over Iraq was in vain. As far as pre-tournament predications are concerned, the script was thrown out of the window and replaced by a tale that barely seems plausible. No matter; Costa Rica can tonight celebrate reaching the quarter-finals of the Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in their history. A date with hot favourites Argentina awaits, and after tonight's heroics the Ticos will surely go into that game believing nothing is beyond them.  
  
Portuguese captain Ricardo Costa had warned Cost Rica prior to the game that his side fully intended to win the match and, sure enough, the Europeans started the stronger. Joao Paulo, who was playing instead of the suspended Bruno Alves, came close to open the scoring after just two minutes but directed his neat header narrowly wide. Five minutes later, Danny collected the ball at the edge of the area and executed a fine half-volley that flashed past goalkeeper Neighel Drummond and grazed the upright on its way wide. 

As has become their custom in this tournament, the Costa Ricans did not spring into life until they had been threatened themselves. Their reaction this time was almost instantaneous as, eight minutes in, Carlos Hernandez hit a powerful free-kick from 25 yards that forced goalkeeper Moreira into an impressive two-fisted save. 

The match settled into an entertaining rhythm as the Portuguese drove forward and the Costa Ricans began to launch counter-attacks. On the quarter-hour mark, Carlos Martins unleashed a free-kick that deflected off the Costa Rican wall and almost flew straight into the path of Joao Paulo. Rodrigo Kenton's troops were full of running and ideas going forward and were proving particularly penetrative down the right flank, where Roy Mire was wreaking all kinds of havoc. After 16 minutes, he went on a splendid run but saw a succession of crosses scrambled away by the Portuguese defence. Twelve minutes later, the Portuguese defenders again showed their courage by blocking a Jairo Arrieta piledriver, again from the right. 

Ironically, it was the Portuguese who were to strike through a counter-attack. After 29 minutes, Danny, who bears more than a passing resemblance to the great Joao Pinto, shrugged off the attentions of his marker as he charged down the right wing and whipped in a wonderful cross that Porto forward Hugo Almeida steered beautifully into the corner of the net with his head. Having gone 1-0 up without really exhibiting their lavish talent, Portugal seemed comfortable and had found a nice fluid style within the solid tactical shape they had adopted. 
  
Unfortunately for the Europeans, nothing has been straight-forward for them in this tournament, and just seconds before the break Pablo Brenes produced a piece of magic to rip through the centre of their defence and draw a desperate challenge from Joao Paulo, who duly received his second yellow card and trudged off for an early bath. From the resultant free-kick, the Costa Ricans very nearly drew level, but Moreira again reacted smartly to save.  

With a man extra, the CONCACAF representatives tore into their opponents right from the beginning of the second period. Kenton threw on Eric Scott and Alvaro Saborio, who were surprising omissions from the starting line-up. "It was a pre-arranged ploy, of course," explained Kention afterwards. On 48 minutes, Brenes turned on the style down the left flank before firing in a volley that missed by inches. But Costa Rica were not to be denied. Two minutes later, Carlos Hernandez swept in a corner and Jos? Villalobos got to it first to drive the ball into the net for a fine equaliser. Game on. Though over-run at times, Portugal showed they were made of stern stuff by regaining the lead within just four minutes. Jorge Ribeiro was the hero this time, dispatching a magnificent free-kick past the despairing Drummond from 22 yards. 

Fifteen minutes of madness 
Kenton's men have character too however, and they came storming back. Two minutes after falling behind, they very nearly got on even terms again when Arrieta drew an excellent save from Moreira, and Alvaro Saborio did the same moments later. Six minutes after that, Eric Scott dinked a deft ball through to Saborio, who nodded it back for Brenes, who was distraught to see his shot come back off the post. 

The Costa Ricans were to be rewarded for their intense pressure. In the 68th minute, the ubiquitous Brenes pounced on a loose ball in the box, twisted and turned and then tried to toe-poke it home. The hapless Fernando Meira attempted to intervene but succeeded only in turning it past his own goalkeeper and restore parity on the scoreboard. The Ticos were on fire now and less than five minutes later they took the lead. After a quickly-taken corner, Brenes clipped a cross into the six-yard box, where Saborio popped up to head his team's third. "I wouldn't like to say that Brenes was the Man of the Match," insisted Kenton afterwards, "There were 14 players out there who did brilliantly." 

Portugal were reeling and with the Cost Ricans scenting blood, a killer goal looked increasingly likely. On 77 minutes, Hernandez rifled in another long-range effort, but the woodwork again came to Portugal's rescue. The Europeans were, of course, aware that they needed to score to progress and they did manage to create a couple of chances, but neither Bosingwa (73') nor Hugo Viana (81') could make the most of them. Then, in the last minute, Costa Rica delivered the fatal blow as Brenes beat the off-side trap to slot the ball past Moreira and make it 4-2. That gave the Ticos exactly the same goal difference as Morocco, but the North Africans miss out because they scored one goal less - and so the Costa Rican fairy-tale continues. 

"We did our best to win right up till the end, even after going down to 10 men. My team showed great character," said a disappointed Romao at the end of the match. "But I would like to pay tribute to Costa Rica - they have an outstanding team. Kenton, meanwhile, was delirious with joy, offering thanks to his wife, his players, and all of Costa Rica. "We knew Portugal represented a giant challenge, but we did our homework," he said. "We analysed all aspects of their play and our efforts paid off. We knew exactly what to do in the second half. I am delighted for Costa Rican people everywhere." 
  

[#23] Morocco : Iraq = 2 : 1 
18 aug 2004 PATRAS /Pampeloponnisiako Stadium  

Victory over Iraq not enough for Morocco (2:1) 

Goals Scored: SALIH SADIR (IRQ) 63 ' , BOUDEN Bouabid (MAR) 69 ' penalty , AQQAL Salaheddine (MAR) 77 '  
 
Morocco's final group game against Iraq in Patras' Pampeloponnisiako Stadium ended in a narrow 2-1 victory. Tragically for the Moroccans, Costa Rica's 4-2 defeat of Portugal saw the Ticos draw level with the North Africans on goal difference and claim the second quarter-final berth by virtue of a superior goalscoring record.  
  
Iraq made a number of changes to their starting line-up, giving Attiya Saad and Salah Ahmed their first taste of Olympic action and leaving six players who featured in the first two games, including two-goal striker Mohammed Hawar Mulla, on the bench. 
  
The first chance of note went to Iraq after five minutes when the unmarked Farhan Razzaq headed an Ahmed Salah cross just wide of the target from eleven yards. Nine minutes later, it was Salah who raced onto a through ball to find himself one on one with goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghir. Salah actually beat the onrushing keeper, but his lob was headed clear by Jamal Alioui who had tracked back. Iraq had an abundance of opportunities and dominated the early stages with Morocco struggling to make an impact. 
  
The North Africans finally began to make their presence felt midway through the first half, registering their first shot in anger on 23 minutes when Bouchaib El Moubarki curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar from 18 yards. Two minutes later, they broke down the left. Bouabid Bouden headed down a high cross for Bouchaib El Moubarki, whose volley was held by the Iraqi goalkeeper.  
  
This more aggressive approach began to pay handsome dividends for the Moroccans as they created chance after chance. Iraq responded five minutes before the break through a Salah Ahmed effort from a tight angle.  
  
Morocco came out revitalised for the second half, with Bouabid Bouden crashing a shot against the post from an acute angle on 55 minutes. The North Africans continued to create openings at will, shooting at every opportunity. 
  
But it was Iraq who eventually broke the deadlock on 63 minutes. Mohammed Emad, recently introduced as a substitute, broke down the right before pulling the ball back to Sadir Salih, who met the ball first time to hand his team a 1-0 lead.  
  
Morocco immediately pressed for an equaliser and earned their chance after 69 minutes when referee Horacio Elizondo awarded a penalty for a foul. Bouabid Bouden converted at the second attempt to draw the score level at 1-1.  
  
The North Africans sustained their onslaught and soon struck again. Merouane Zemmama broke into the penalty area down the right-hand side and pulled back a cross from the by-line which was met the surging run of Salaheddine Aqqal, who made no mistake in slotting into an empty net from three yards.  
  
Iraq could have equalised in the final minute, but Munir Qusai's dipping header came down onto the crossbar. 
  
Morocco coach Mustapha Madih was disappointed with the final outcome. "That's football. We have to accept it. After going 2-1 up, we were sure that we were through, but then Costa Rica scored in the last minute." 
  
Iraq's coach Adnan Hamd was pleased with his team's performance despite the defeat: "I gave a few players the chance to play at an Olympic Football Tournament today. The quarter-final against Australia will obviously not be easy, but I think we can progress."