Argentina retain Olympic football gold

Reuters

HARD-FOUGHT WIN: Javier Mascherano (L) and Fernando Gago of Argentina celebrate after defeating Nigeria in the men's gold medal football match.

Relevant offers

Football

Argentina retain Olympic football gold US women snare football gold Brazil seek first major title Football giants clash Development needed for Oly-Whites to improve Eliminated Oly-Whites see red over card 'Bagged' Nelsen wins coach's support Beaten Oly-Whites earn coach's praise Oly-Whites tumble out of Games Coach pushes more Football Ferns exposure

Argentina have retained the Olympic gold medal in football after beating Nigeria 1-0 in the final through a stunning goal from Angel Di Maria.

Di Maria, guilty of a remarkable double penalty-miss in a group game against Serbia, broke clear of the Nigeria defence and clipped the ball over Ambruse Vanzekin in the 58th minute.

Wilting in the searing heat, the Argentines then survived a torrid half hour of Nigerian pressure to cling on for victory.

The mid-day showdown at the Bird's Nest was a repeat of the 1996 final, which Nigeria won 3-2 to become the first African team to win the tournament.

-Reuters