Posted by The PM News on
Nigeria's Super Falcons this morning, crashed out of the women's football event of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Nigeria's Super Falcons this morning, crashed out of the women's football event of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
A first-half treble from Cristiane helped Brazil beat Nigeria 3-1 to march into the quarter-finals as Group F winners. The result ended Nigeria's participation in the competition.
Requiring victory to have any chance of progressing from Group F, the Africans took the game to their opponents from the outset. Ifeanyi Chiejine, in particular, troubled the Brazilians, first driving the ball into the side-netting before curling a free-kick narrowly over Barbara's crossbar.
The Seleção goalkeeper was undone on 19 minutes, though, when Perpetua Nkwocha sent her the wrong way from the penalty spot after Cynthia Uwak was fouled. Barbara then had to dive to her right to deny Nigeria a second goal ten minutes later.
Having conceded the spot-kick from which Brazil fell behind, Rosana was determined to make amends. And that she did on the 34th minute, masterfully flicking the ball on to the head of Cristiane, who nodded home the equaliser from close range.
Jorge Barcellos' side had, by now, found their rhythm, and within minutes, Cristiane's stunning overhead-kick had edged them in front. The elusive No.11 completed her hat-trick on the stroke of half-time, collecting a Maycon pass and finishing coolly.
Nigeria's chances of seizing maximum points were remote going into the second half, but that did not prevent them from a relentless attempt. Barbara, however, was equal to all of their efforts on goal. Cristiane almost scored her fourth midway through the last 45 minutes, but the outstretched arm of Precious Dede denied her curling effort from distance. Thereafter, Brazil seemed content to stroke the ball around in front of a vibrant crowd, the fatigued Nigerians unable to create any more clear opportunities.
Joseph Ladipo and his charges will return home with their heads held high following a courageous performance. Ultimately, though, they came up short against a Brazilian side inspired by one of the game's true geniuses. The match belonged to Cristiane.