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JOY FOR MASCH AS LUCAS SEES RED
Paul Hassall 19 August 2008
It was joy for Javier Mascherano but despair for Lucas Leiva as the Brazilian was sent-off during Argentina's 3-0 win over their South American rivals in the semi-final of the Olympic Games.
Brazil's number eight was shown a straight red card for a foul on his Liverpool teammate on 80 minutes before substitute Thiago Neves also received his marching orders for another late tackle on Mascherano.
It capped a sad night for the Brazilians who had already seen their hopes destroyed courtesy of Sergio Aguero's second-half double and a late penalty from Juan Roman Riquelme.
It means Mascherano will now head into Saturday's final against Nigeria with his dream of a second Olympic gold medal very much alive, while Lucas' Brazil will have to console themselves with the prospect of playing for bronze.
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BOSS HOPING MASCH WINS GOLD
Paul Eaton 20 August 2008
Rafael Benitez is hoping Javier Mascherano returns to Melwood next week as a double Olympic gold medal winner after the Liverpool midfielder helped Argentina into the final of the football tournament in Beijing.
Mascherano's Argentina proved too strong for Brazil in their semi-final clash, running out 3-0 winners thanks to a brace of goals from Sergio Aguero and a penalty from Juan Riquelme.
While there is joy for Mascherano, however, there is despair for his Anfield team-mate Lucas, who was sent off during the second half of the game - ironically for a foul on his Anfield teammate.
"It's a fantastic achievement for Mascherano," said Benitez. "To have the chance to win another gold medal is very positive for him. For a player of his age to have won so many trophies and picked up so much experience is amazing.
"I have been talking with him during the competition because he is a player who always wants to know the news from back here. He is enjoying the Olympic Games but he is aware of what is happening with Liverpool.
"We know of athletes winning more than one gold medal in other sports but I don't know if it's ever been done in football. It shows the mentality he has - he is a winner, he wants to win every game and every trophy.
"I have been in contact with him by email and by text messages during the competition and I will try to speak with him before the final to wish him well."
Argentina will take on Nigeria in the final after they secured an impressive 4-1 success over Belgium in the semis. The match kicks off at 5am UK time on Saturday morning.
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