Brazil through, Argentina leave it late

Olympics - Soccer : Ronaldinho scored twice as Brazil strolled to a 5-0 win over New Zealand at the Olympics on Sunday, while…

Olympics - Soccer: Ronaldinho scored twice as Brazil strolled to a 5-0 win over New Zealand at the Olympics on Sunday, while a delightful goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi gave Argentina a late win over stubborn Australia.

The wins left the South American pair with 6 points from two games in their respective groups and guaranteed both a quarter-final place with a match to spare.

African pair Cameroon and Nigeria won for the first time, Cameroon beating Honduras 1-0 thanks to a blunder by goalkeeper Kevin Hernandez and Nigeria overcoming Japan 2 1.

Argentina, with Juan Roman Riquelme controlling the midfield and Lionel Messi tormenting the Australia defence, dominated their game but failed to convert a string of chances.

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They finally broke through in the 78th minute when a series of quick passes ended with Angel Di Maria floating the ball across to the far post, where Lavezzi sidefooted home a first-time shot.

New Zealand, facing Brazil with a team mainly made up of university students, were quickly in trouble when they fell behind to an Anderson goal after three minutes before Alexandro Pato headed a second just after the half hour.

Ronaldinho added a third with a free kick which found its way through the entire New Zealand defence in the 55th minute, then won and converted a penalty six minutes later. Rafael Sobis completed the scoring in the Group C game.

Midfielder Stephane Mbia gave Cameroon their win over pointless Honduras in Group D when a weak, low shot from outside the area caught Hernandez off his guard and rolled into the net in the 74th minute.

Second-half goals from Victor Obinna and Victor Anichebe put Nigeria in control against Japan, who replied through Yohei Toyoda in the Group B game.