England 2 - Slovenia 1 (Under-21 friendly, August 19, 2008) Etien Velikonja put Slovenia ahead in the twelfth minute. Micah Richards equalised from close range in the 25th minute and James Milner grabbed the win with a fine shot ten minutes later.

Slovakia 2 - France 2 (Under-21 friendly, August 19, 2008)

Portugal 2 - Czech Republic 3 (Under-21 friendly, August 19, 2008) Veloso put the home side in front in the fourth minute, Holek equalised midway through the first-half. Barbosa put Portugal in front again just before half-time before two goals in three minutes midway through the second period from Strestik (pen) and Razniceck gave the Czechs the win.

Moldova 1 - Germany 0 (Under-21 European Championship qualifier, August 19, 2008) A comic own goal from defender Aogo, dollying a header past his own keeper, gave Moldova and unlikely win.

***

Argentina 3 - Brazil 0 (Olympics semi-final, August 19, 2008) In the big South American derby, Dunga started without Pato or Thiago Neves and his Brazil side looked toothless as they played out a goalless first half. After the break Argentina grew in confidence, and Sergio Aguero finally broke the deadlock when he got his body on the end of a powerful cross from Di Maria. Aguero, who had previously failed to score in China, then added his and Argentina’s second, standing in the right place to turn home a right wing cross. Dunga threw on Pato and Neves in despair, but it was all Argentina and Juan Roman Riquelme added a third from the spot after Aguero had been felled. Having never won the Olympics, Brazil then disgraced themselves in the closing stage having Lucas and Neves sent off. Dunga’s job hangs by a thread.

Nigeria 4 - Belgium 1 (Olympics semi-final, August 19, 2008) Nigeria drew first blood against Belgium, working the ball from a corner, and when the shot finally came in Adefemi was on hand to stroke the ball home. The Super Eagles went from strength to strength, and added the second after the break when Anichebe crossed into Obasi (offside) to side-foot home. Anichebe was soon guilty of a shocking miss, but that was soon forgotten as Obasi smacked in a stunning third from 25 yards. Looking like they were able to score on every attack, Okonkwo hit a fine fourth as his shot went in off the post. Ciman whacked in a fierce free-kick to salvage some pride for the Belgiums.

***

Australia 2 - South Africa 2 (Friendly, August 19, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Nkosi gave South Africa a 21st minute lead in the game at Loftus Road, collecting a back-heel flick from McCarthy to beat goalkeeper Schwarzer. But Sterjovski lobbed a quick equaliser for Australia and Kennedy headed in a Bresciano free-kick in the 37th minute to put the Socceroos ahead. Modise rifled home a second half equaliser to earn South Africa a draw.

***

Defensor Sporting 2 - Libertad 1 (Copa Sudamericana, August 19, 2008)

Arsenal Sarandi 4 - CD Motagua 0 (Copa Sudamericana, August 19, 2008)

Brazil 4 - Germany 1 (Women’s Olympics, August 18, 2008) Germany’s Birgit Prinz had opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Formiga levelled for Brazil just before the break. After the break, a Christine double and a goal from Marta booked Brazil a place in the final.

***

AEK Athens 1 - Bologna 1 (Friendly, August 18, 2008) Adailton gave the Italians the lead, scoring directly from a well-taken free-kick on the 31 minutes. AEK levelled after the break, Rivaldo’s shot flew under the crossbar just after the hour mark.

PAOK Saloniki 1 - CSKA Sofia 0 (Friendly, August 18, 2008) Konstantinidis’ second half header proved decisive.

***

Oxford 6 - Eastbourne 3 (Conference, August 16, 2008) Constable converted Matt Day’s corner and then crossed for Levi Reid to double a lead which Eastbourne’s Patrick Harding and then Allan Tait wiped out. Marc Pullen’s own goal gifted Oxford the lead, only for Paul Armstrong to draw level Eastbourne level again. But Eddie Hutchinson headed Oxford back in front, Constable added his second and Barry Quinn headed United’s sixth.

***

Emelec 1 - El Nacional 0 (Campeonato Ecuatoriano, August 18, 2008)

***

Santos 3 - Indios 0 (Mexican Apertura, August 18, 2008)

Monarcas 1 - Pumas 0 (Mexican Apertura, August 18, 2008)

***

U. Catolica 0 - Huachipato 4 (Chilean Clausura, August 17, 2008)

Rangers 2 - Everton 0 (Chilean Clausura, August 17, 2008)

La Serena 2 - Antofagasta 0 (Chilean Clausura, August 17, 2008)

Osorno 0 - Cobresal 3 (Chilean Clausura, August 17, 2008)

As the football calender begins to pick up pace with the Olympics, Champions League, UEFA Cup and most European leagues back in action, it has been another great week for super strikes. Sit back and enjoy this week’s top 10 offerings.

1. Cristiane (v Nigeria, Aug. 12, 2008)

2. Francelino da Silva Matuzalem (v PAOK Salonika, Aug. 12, 2008)

3. Adrian Mutu (v Slavia Prague, Aug. 12, 2008)

4. Jermaine Beckford (v Chester, Aug. 12, 2008) (0.27 secs in)

5. Diego Mario Buonanotte (v Serbia, Aug. 13, 2008)

6. Christian Pander (v Atletico Madrid, Aug. 13, 2008)

7. Alessandro Del Piero (v Petrzalka, Aug. 13, 2008)

8. Amr Zaki (v West Ham, Aug. 16, 2008)

9. Gretar Steinsson (v Stoke, Aug. 16, 2008)

10. Akrour Nassim (v Rennes, Aug. 17, 2008)

***

Narrowly missing this week’s cut were goals from Darijo Srna, Mourad Meghni, Dariusz Pawlusinski, David Dunn, Samir Nasri, Fernando Torres, Marek Jankulovski, Elliot Grandin and Boudewijn Zenden.

Manchester United 1 - Newcastle 1 (Premier League, August 17, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) Manchester United came out the traps quickly against Newcastle, but they found Shay Given in inspired early form to deny them a goal. The Irish goalkeeper first saved Frazier Campbell’s header off the line with his head, before making a smart double save from Rooney and Scholes. Incredibly, it was the Toon who then took the lead, Obafemi Martins scoring a sweet header from Milner’s corner (what happened to Fletcher?). But the champions responded quickly, Giggs fired in a left wing cross which was turned home by Darren Fletcher. In the second half Frazier Campbell came close when he turned smartly and forced Shay Given into a save. But Newcastle proved themselves to be a hard nut to crack, and they also rode their luck when Vidic’s header came back off the bar. Keegan’s side saw out the final stages without too much bother, with United’s season starting on the back-foot.

Chelsea 4 - Portsmouth 0 (Premier League, August 17, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) Chelsea dominated the early exchanges, Frank Lampard set about finding his range before the Blues moved ahead in the 12th minute when Ballack freed Joe Cole who beat David James on the angle. Chelsea doubled their lead soon after, Boswinga raced down the right, his cross was fed back in by Deco at the back post, and Nicolas Anelka had the simple job of nodding home. Anelka steered a shot just wide of post moments later. On the stroke of half-time Chelsea won a penalty after Joe Cole’s immaculate control brought down a ball which Distin then handballed, and Frank Lampard rolled in the third from the spot. After the break Anelka continued to look sharp, with Joe Cole also looking to bag his second. Deco opened his account with a fourth at the death, David James should have done better with the strike from distance.

Aston Villa 4 - Manchester City 2 (Premier League, August 17, 2008) After a goalless first half, John Carew was in the right place to head home Gareth Barry’s cross. But City hit back, Luke Young tripped Michael Johnson in the box, and Elano rolled home the penalty. Star of the show was than Gabriel Agbonlahor who netted a magnificent seven minute hat-trick with goals in the 69th, 74th and 76th minutes. Vedran Corluka netted a late consolation for City.

All the goals from Saturday’s action in the Premier League can be seen here.

***

Burnley 0 - Ipswich 3 (Championship, August 16, 2008) Kick-off was delayed by 50 minutes after a member of the Parachute Regiment crash landed on to the roof of a stand instead of the intended target on the half-way line (see the eye-witness footage here). Jamie Trotter volleyed through a crowd of players to put Ipswich ahead before Kevin Lisbie scored a rebound. Stephen Jordan headed into his own net before Steven Caldwell hit the post to end a miserable afternoon for Burnley.

Barnsley 1 - Coventry 2 (Championship, August 16, 2008) Coventry moved in front after Freddy Eastwood’s cross evaded everyone to settle in the bottom corner. Brian Howard’s clinical finish on the stroke of half-time earned the hosts an equaliser. But Julian Gray’s 68th-minute strike won the game for the Sky Blues, who kept their 100% record in tact. Barnsley, who had Iain Hume sent off have now lost three games on the spin.

Bristol City 1 - Derby 1 (Championship, August 16, 2008) Nicky Maynard opened the scoring for City with his first goal for the club when he tapped in from close range in the 23rd minute, but Paul Green’s second-half strike gave Derby a share of the spoils.

Carlisle 4 - Crewe 2 (League One, August 16, 2008) Danny Graham helped himself to a quick-fire brace as Carlisle took control against Crewe before Chris McCready replied for the visitors. Scott Dobie and Simon Hackney added further goals for The Cumbrians before Tom Pope netted a late consolation.

All the goals from yesterday’s action in League Two can be seen here.

Macclesfield 0 - Bradford 2 (League Two, August 16, 2008) Peter Thorn’s double sunk Macclesfield.

York 1 - Histon 1 (Conference, August 16, 2008)

***

AC Milan 4 - Juventus 1 (Trofeo Berlusconi, August 17, 2008) The home side scored from a swerving effort by Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Ambrosini’s header from a Clarence Seedorf cross, and a close-range finish from Filippo Inzaghi to go 3-0 up before reserve Cristian Pasquato netted for Juve. Ambrosini grabbed Milan’s fourth 11 minutes from time.

Real Murcia 2 - Ajax 1 (Friendly, August 16, 2008) Luis Suarez scored after a deflected free kick and Dario Cvitanich missed the only other serious opportunity for Ajax. Ranko Despotovic and Diabang were the goalscorers for the Spanish side.

***

Dundee United 1 - Celtic 1 (SPL, August 17, 2008) Celtic led through a Paul Hartley deflected shot in the 54th minute before United’s Spanish striker Francisco Sandaza flicked in a neat equaliser with 11 minutes left.

Alloa Athletic 1- Raith Rovers 1 (Scottish League Two, August 16, 2008)

***

Valencia 3 - Real Madrid 2 (Super Cup, August 17, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Real took the lead against the run of play thanks to a clinical finish from van Nistelrooy. Valencia drew level early in the second half, Mata smashing a low drive past Casillas. Three minutes later Mata turned provider, curling in a fine cross to the near post where David Villa headed home. Back came Real, Robben sped down the wing and his cross was turned in by van Nistelrooy, but Los Che got the win when Vicente stabbed home from close range after a neat one-two with Silva on the edge of the area.

***

Borussia Monchengladbach 1 - Stuttgart 3 (Bundesliga, August 17, 2008)

Ahlen 2 - FSV Frankfurt 1 (Bundesliga II, August 17, 2008)

Nurnberg 2 - Augsburg 1 (Bundesliga II, August 17, 2008) (First half here, second half here.)

Ingolstadt 3 - Greuther Furth 2 (Bundesliga II, August 17, 2008)

Koblenz 3 - Oberhausen 0 (Bundesliga II, August 17, 2008)

Freiburg 2 - 1860 Munich 1 (Bundesliga II, August 17, 2008)

***

Grenoble 1 - Rennes 0 (Ligue 1, August 17, 2008) Grenoble continued their impressive start to life in France’s top flight, Akrour Nassim scoring an absolute belter from 25-yards which rocketed into the top corner. Earlier the newly promoted side had seen Feghouli miss a penalty.

Marseille 4 - Auxerre 0 (Ligue 1, August 17, 2008) OM helped themselves to four goals in their first home game of the season. Niang, Grichting (og), Grandin (a fine individual goal) and Zenden (great free-kick) were all on the scoresheet.

***

Nacional 2 - Trofense 0 (Carlsberg Cup, August 17, 2008)

Naval 3 - Estoril 2 (Carlsberg Cup, August 17, 2008)

Braga 4 - Leixoes 0 (Carlsberg Cup, August 17, 2008) Goals from Peixoto, Cesar, Linz and Matheus.

***

Galatasaray 2 - Kayserispor 1 (Turkish Super Cup, August 17, 2008) Harry Kewell and Shabani Nonda grabbed the goals for Gala, Mehmet Topuz pulled one back in the 89th minute.

***

Maccabi Haifa 1 - Maccabi Netanya 1 (Toto Cup, August 17, 2008) Netanya’s Orel Degani scored a spectacular goal in just the second minute. However, Haifa wasted no time in responding, Gustavo Boccoli knocked in the equaliser with an equally impressive shot just three minutes later.

***

Amkar Perm 1 - Spartak Moscow 1 (Premier Liga, August 17, 2008) Bazhenov’s 9th minute opener for Spartak was cancelled out five minutes later by Volkov.

Zenit St. Petersburg 1 - Shinnik Yaroslavl 3 (Premier Liga, August 17, 2008) Zenit went ahead in the 25th minute, Konstantin Zyrianov finishing a piercing run with a powerful shot. However, the Russian champions and UEFA Cup holders were push on, and two well-taken goals in five minutes by Maxim Buznikin and Ricardo Silva, in the 52nd and 57th minutes respectively, put the the league’s bottom club ahead. Shinnik sealed the win late on, Dmitry Kudryashov racing away to fire home the third.

***

Shakhtar 2 - Metalist 2 (Vyscha Liga, August, 17, 2008) First-half goals from Coelho (great free-kick) and Bordyan put the away side two-up, Brandao secured the draw with a second-half brace, the second coming from the penalty spot.

Illychivets 1 - Dnepr 2 (Vyscha Liga, August, 17, 2008)

Dynamo Kiev 2 - M. Zaporozhye 0 (Vyscha Liga, August, 17, 2008)

Kryvbas 1 - Karpaty 1 (Vyscha Liga, August, 16, 2008)

Kharkov 1 - Chornomorets 1 (Vyscha Liga, August, 16, 2008)

***

Cercle Brugge 0 - Anderlecht 3 (Jupiler League, August 16, 2008) Goals from Jelle van Damme, Jonathan Legear and Thomas Chatelle (penalty) fired Anderlecht to the top of the early standings.

***

Zurich 1 - Basel 4 (Swiss Super League, August 17, 2008) Christian Gross’ Basel side went 2-up through Stocker and Chipperfield, with Zurich pulling a goal back with a thunderbolt from Abdi. After the break Basel sealed the win with a brace from Carlitos.

***

Levski 6 - Botev 0 (A Grupa, August 17, 2008)

***

Rijeka 3 - Hajduk Split 1 (1. HNL, August 17, 2008)

***

Vojvodina 2 - CZ Beograd 0 (Serbian Super Liga, August 17, 2008)

***

New York Red Bulls 2 - Toronto FC 0 (MLS, August 17, 2008) Mike Magee put the Red Bulls ahead in the 37th minute after he ran down a long pass from Seth Stammler and beat Toronto goalie Greg Sutton from 10 yards out. Juan Pablo Angel netted the Red Bulls’ other goal, sealing the win when he scored off a breakaway pass from Dane Richards in the 92nd minute.

***

Adelaide United 1 - Perth Glory 0 (A-League, August 17, 2008) Adeliade captain Travis Dodd scored a fine goal, playing a one-two before smashing home a shot into the near post.

Wellington Phoenix 1 - Queensland Roar 1 (A-League, August 17, 2008) Charlie Miller gave the Roar the lead in 46th minute, before Phoenix’s Shane Smeltz equalised in the 53rd.

***

Toluca 3 - Puebla 1 (Mexican Apertura, August 17, 2008)

Necaxa 2 - Guadalajara 2 (Mexican Apertura, August 17, 2008)

Santos 3 - Indios 0 (Mexican Apertura, August 17, 2008)

Monarcas 1 - U.N.A.M. 0 (Mexican Apertura, August 17, 2008) (Longer highlights here.)

***

River Plate 2 - Rosario 0 (Argentinean Apertura, August 17, 2008) Late goals from Tuzzio (’84) and Rios (’90) gave River the win.

Lanus 1 - Gimnasia La Plata 1 (Argentinean Apertura, August 17, 2008)

Huracan 1 - Racing Club 0 (Argentinean Apertura, August 17, 2008)

***

Fluminense 1 - Atletico-MG 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008)

Palmeiras 1 - Coritiba 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008) Palmeiras remain third after a win courtesy of Alex Mineiro’s strike. Palmeiras’ Fernando Capixaba was sent-off after 70 minutes but five minutes later Mineiro was on target to secure the win.

Sport Recife 0 - Botafogo 1 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008)

Vasco 4 - Internacional 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008) The scoring was opened in the 19th minute with an own goal by Internacional’s Bolivar. Edmundo made it 2-0 in the 47th minute, and three minutes later Eduardo Luiz who made it 3-0. Jean completed the scoring for Vasco in the 88th minute.

Goias 3 - Nautico 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008) Paulo Henrique, Vitor and Paulo Henrique scored for Goias.

Gremio 1 - Sao Paulo 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008) Gremio strengthened their grip on first place in Brazil, Perea scored the only goal of the match in the 9th minute when he chested the ball into the net. Gremio now have a nine point lead over Cruzeiro.

Santos 2 - Flamengo 2 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 17, 2008)

Figueirense 2 - Portuguesa 1 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 16, 2008)

Atletico Paranaense 5 - Ipatinga 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 16, 2008)

Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) (LFC TV highlights here.) Fernando Torres struck with a quality finish from 25-yards out in the 85th minute to get Liverpool’s season off to a great start.

Arsenal 1 - West Brom 0 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) Samir Nasri marked his debut with a goal four minutes into the new season, a classic Arsenal move saw the Frenchman tap home from a Denilson cross.

Everton 2 - Blackburn 3 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) Blackburn moved ahead at Goodison Park, Pederson played in David Dunn who took a touched inside, steadied himself, and curled a sweet left-footer into the bottom right corner. But Paul Robinson was at fault for allowing Everton to equalise on the stroke of half-time, allowing Mikel Arteta to fire home a free-kick in the keeper’s near post from a tight angle. The Toffees moved ahead in the second half, Arteta burst down the left wing, fired in a cross, and Yakubu powered home a header. But back came Paul Ince’s side, Lescott defended poorly from a long ball, allowing Roque Santa Cruz free space in the box and Rovers’ leading striker levelled. Late on it was Andre Ooijer who scored the winner, tapping home from close range.

Hull City 2 - Fulham 1 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) New boys Hull pulled off a great win after Seol Ki-Hyeon had headed the Cottagers into the lead. Giovanni equalised with a fine curling effort and Caleb Folan slid home the winner after Fagan had robbed Konchesky.

Bolton 3 - Stoke 1 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) Gretar Steinsson scored a stunner to give Bolton the lead over Stoke, smashing a bending shot from the right hand side of pitch which sailed into the far post off the underside of the bar. Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander added goals before the break, Ricardo Fuller scored the consolation for Stoke in injury-time.

West Ham 2 - Wigan 1 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) Dean Ashton scored two to give the Hammers an opening day victory, Amr Zaki scored a great left-footed volley for the Latics just after half-time.

Middlesbrough 2 - Tottenham 1 (Premier League, August 16, 2008) David Wheater and Mido condemned Spurs to an opening day defeat to deflate much of their optimism after yet another impressive pre-season. Huth scored an og in injury-time.

***

Southport 1 - Harrogate 0 (Blue Square North, August 16, 2008) Southport’s winner was scored by Kilheeny in the 22nd minute.

***

Rangers 2 - Hearts 0 (SPL, August 16, 2008) Kyle Lafferty fired his first goal for Rangers in the 38th minute. Hearts’ hopes of salvaging a point evaporated when they had Saulius Mikoliunas sent off for his second bookable offence. In stoppage time Kris Boyd blasted in a penalty to wrap up the game.

***

Barcelona 2 - Boca Juniors 1 (Joan Gamper Trophy, August 16, 2008) (Longer highlights here, extended highlights here.) Boca drew first blood through Lucas Viatri in the 72nd minute, the 21-year-old midfielder took advantage of a mix-up in the Barca defence to slot the ball past a paralyzed Pinto. Barca brought on Xavi, Iniesta and Eto’o, but heading into injury-time the Catalans were still trailing. But the hosts levelled in the 92st minute, Xavi’s corner was header home by Carles Puyol. And in the 95th minute Xavi played in an inviting cross, with Samuel Eto’o in the right place at the right time to nod home a dramatic winner. (Both Barca goals can be seen here.)

***

Bayer Leverkusen 2 - Borussia Dortmund 3 (Bundesliga, August 16, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Valdez opened the scoring for Dortmund after four minutes. Helmes bagged a goal on his league debut to briefly bring the hosts level at 1-1, but Kringe restored Dortmund’s lead. Subotic headed the visitors’ crucial third after 49 minutes, and while Kiessling gave Leverkusen hope of a point with a late goal, the visitors held out. Dortmund’s win was marred by the injury to Dede, who was forced off injured with suspected cruciate knee ligament damage.

Arminia Bielefeld 2 - Werder Bremen 2 (Bundesliga, August 16, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) An Artur Wichniarek double cancelled out a brace from Markus Rosenberg as Bremen’s Bundesliga challenge got off to a stuttering start.

Wolfsburg 2 - Cologne 1 (Bundesliga, August 16, 2008) Milivoje Novakovic put Cologne ahead after 20 minutes, but Christian Gentner and Zvjezdan Misimovic struck second-half goals to spare the hosts’ blushes and secure the three points.

Energie Cottbus 0 - Hoffenheim 3 (Bundesliga, August 16, 2008) Hoffenheim celebrated their first ever match in the Bundesliga with a stunning win at Cottbus. Two goals from Vedad Ibisevic sandwiched Demba Ba’s strike to give the visitors the perfect start to their season.

Karlsruhe 1 - Bochum 0 (Bundesliga, August 16, 2008) Having been last season’s surprise package, Karlsruhe set about proving that was no fluke as Christian Eichner got the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.

Mainz 3 - Kaiserslautern 3 (Bundesliga II, August 15, 2008)

St. Pauli 2 - Osnabruck 2 (Bundesliga II, August 15, 2008)

***

PSG 1 - Bordeaux 0 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008) Guillame Hoara’s first goal for PSG delivered the Parisians first win of the season.

Caen 3 - Valenciennes 1 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008) Caen raced to a three goal lead through Florentin, Savidan and Eluchans. Filip Sebo broke home resistance with a header on the stroke of half-time.

Lille 1 - Le Mans 3 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008)

Toulouse 2 - Le Havre 1 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008)

Saint-Etienne 2 - Sochaux 1 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008) Blaise Matuidi put the hosts ahead before Pascal Feindouno doubled the lead from the spot. Damien Perquis, who left Saint-Etienne in the summer, pulled a goal back for the visitors with a superb long-ranged shot.

Nice 2 - Nancy 1 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008)

Nantes 1 - Monaco 1 (Ligue 1, August 16, 2008) Monaco lead the table with four points after Meriem’s 4th minute opener for Monaco was cancelled out by Keseru.

***

Bari 2 - Bassano Virtus 0 (Coppa Italia, August 16, 2008) Bari secured the win in the final 20 minutes of the match, Barreto put the hosts ahead from the spot before Barreto bagged his second three minutes later with a tidy finish in the box.

Parma 3 - Portogruaro 2 (Coppa Italia, August 16, 2008) Parma almost got a shock when the Serie C outfit took a commanding 2-0 lead through Cunico on 35 minutes and substitute Maniero on the hour mark. Massimo Paci got Parma back into the game, but it took a last-gasp equaliser from Stefano Morrone to force extra time, where Daniele Paponi popped up with the winner.

Albinoleffe* 2 - Pescara 2 (Pens. 6-5) (Coppa Italia, August 16, 2008) Albinoleffe struggled to get past third division Pescara, needing penalties to get into the third round.

***

Porto 0 - Sporting Lisbon 2 (Super Cup, August 16, 2008) Tanick Djalo put Sporting in front, collecting a ball which deflected in the box and scoring from around the penalty spot. In the second half Djalo again found himself in the right place to turn home the second.

***

FC Lviv 0 - Vorskla Poltava 0 (Vyscha Liga, August 16, 2008)

Tavriya Symferopol 3 - Arsenal Kyiv 1 (Vyscha Liga, August 16, 2008)

***

Polonia Warsaw 0 - Wisla Krakow 2 (Ekstraklasa, August 16, 2008) Wisla bagged all three points thanks to goals in each half from Brozek.

Ruch Chorzow 2 - Lechia Gdansk 1 (Ekstraklasa, August 16, 2008)

***

DVTK Borsodi 2 - MTK Budapest 3 (Soproni Liga, August 16, 2008)

Ujpest 1 - Haladas 0 (Soproni Liga, August 15, 2008)

***

Argentina 2 - Holland 1 AET (Olympics quarter-final, August 16, 2008) Diego Maradona was on hand to watch Lionel Messi give Argentina the lead over Holland, the diminutive forward bursting through the middle before coolly slotting home the opener. But the Dutch drew level in the 36th minute, a deflected free-kick fell into the path of Otman Bakkal, who scored from inside the six yard box. Angel Di Maria scored the winner at the end of the first period of extra time, Messi played him in with a great ball.

Brazil 2 - Cameroon 0 AET (Olympics quarter-final, August 16, 2008) Cameroon had Baning sent-off for two bookable offences but it wasn’t until the 101st minute that Brazil made the breakthrough with a goal from Sobis and four minutes later Marcelo (a fine flowing move) made the game safe.

Italy 2 - Belgium 3 (Olympics quarter-final, August 16, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Thomas Vermaelen was red-carded for dragging Acquafresca down in the box, Rossi scored from the spot. Belgium levelled in the 24th minute when Moussa Dembele’s header was adjudged to have crossed the line. Mirallas then gave the Belgians an unlikely lead seconds before half-time. Italy were awarded another penalty on 74 minutes for a foul on Paulo de Ceglie and Rossi slotted home his second spot kick. Mirallas forced Italian keeper Viviano off the pitch after a collision between the players. Belgium won the thriller with Dembele’s second of the game, firing through the keeper’s leg for an unlikely win.

Nigeria 2 - Ivory Coast 0 (Olympics quarter-final, August 16, 2008) Peter Odemwingie hit a right-footed strike past Ivorian goalkeeper Vincent Angina in the 44th, and Obinna added the second goal in the 80th after defender Souleymane Bamba took down Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi in the box.

***

Houston Dynamo 4 - Real Salt Lake 3 (MLS, August 16, 2008) Yura Movsisyan gave RSL the lead after just 3 minutes, Mullan leveled the score in the 13th minute. Javier Morales restored the visitors lead with a low drive only for Brian Ching to draw Houston level again, drilling a left-footed shot past Rimando. The Dynamo then moved ahead with a 30-yard sizzler from Ricardo Clark, and Jaqua netted his first MLS goal to make it 4-1 at half-time. Kenny Deuchar bagged a late consolation for RSL.

Columbus Crew 2 - FC Dallas 1 (MLS, August 16, 2008) Jeff Cunningham opened the scoring, tucking home a pass from Adrian Serioux to notch Cunningham’s 100th MLS career goal. But the Crew hit back with two goals in three second half minutes. Brian Carroll sent a bouncing shot past keeper Sala to tie it in the 62nd minute, and Brad Evan’s header sealed the win for the Crew.

San Jose Earthquakes 4 - New England Revolution 0 (MLS, August 16, 2008) Bottom club San Jose upset the form book with a thrashing of leaders New England. Irish midfielder Ronnie O’Brien scored twice for San Jose, which also got goals from Scott Sealy and Ryan Johnson.

***

Sydney FC 0 - Melbourne Victory 0 (A-League, August 16, 2008) The game was marred by some fighting in the stands which had to be dealt with by New South Wales police.

***

Cruzeiro 2 - Vitoria 1 (Campeonato Brasileiro, August 16, 2008)

Criciuma 0 - Ponte Preta 3 (Campeonato Brasileiro B, August 16, 2008)

Barueri 4 - Juventude 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro B, August 16, 2008)

ABC 1 - CRB 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro B, August 16, 2008)

Corinthians 2 - America-RN 0 (Campeonato Brasileiro B, August 16, 2008)

Ceara 3 - Marilia 2 (Campeonato Brasileiro B, August 15, 2008)

Sao Caetano 3 - Avai 3 (Campeonato Brasileiro B, August 15, 2008)

***

Tigre 2 - Arsenal Sarandi 1 (Apertura, August 16, 2008)

Godoy Cruz 1 - San Lorenzo 2 (Apertura, August 16, 2008)

Gimnasia J 1 - Colon 4 (Apertura, August 16, 2008)

***

Monterrey 2 - Tecos 4 (Mexican Apertura, August 16, 2008) (Longer highlights here.)

Pachuca 1 - CF America 1 (Mexican Apertura, August 16, 2008)

Atlas 0 - San Luis 1 (Mexican Apertura, August 16, 2008)

***

Espoli 0 - Macara 1 (Campeonato Ecuatoriano, August 16, 2008)

Brazil 2 - Norway 1 (Women’s Olympics, August 15, 2008) Daniela’s header just before the break opened the scoring for Brazil, and Marta doubled the lead twelve minutes into the second half. Nordby set up a tense finish with a penalty but the South Americans held on to book a semi-final with the Germans.

Sweden 0 - Germany 2 (AET) (Women’s Olympics, August 15, 2008) Germany finally broke through in the 15th minute of extra time when Kerstin Garefrekes headed in from a corner. Simone Laudehr sealed their win with a well-taken goal following a one-two with five minutes left.

***

Bayern Munich 2 - Hamburg 2 (Bundesliga, August 15, 2008) The pressure continues to grow on Jurgen Klinsmann as his Bayern side once again looked far from their best, throwing away a 2-0 advantage to draw. Schweinsteiger put Bayern ahead in the 12th minute, and Podolski added the second four minutes later from the spot. But Hamburg got back into the game when Guerrero thundered home a near-post header. (First half highlights here.) The visitors drew level after the break with a penalty of their own, scored by Trochowski.

***

Benfica 0 - Inter Milan 0* (Pens. 4-5) (Eusebio Cup, August 15, 2008) The game started brightly, Oscar Cardozo’s effort hit the post after just 14 minutes. But Inter were in the ascendency for the majority of the match, Figo and Ibrahimovic had great chances to score for Mourinho’s side. The game ended goalless, meaning Inter kept their fourth clean sheet in a row.

Valladolid 2 - Tenerife 0 (Friendly, August 14, 2008)

***

Galway 4 - Athlone 1 (FAI Cup, August 15, 2008) Robbie Hamm gave Athlone the lead after five minutes but it was all Galway from there on in. First half goals from John Lester and John Fitzgerald gave Jeff Kenna’s side the lead at the break, before Jorgenson and James O’Shea ensured the win.

***

Lens 1 - Chateauroux 0 (Ligue 2, August 15, 2008)

***

Cracovia Krakow 2 - LKS Lodz 0 (Ekstraklasa, August 15, 2008) Pawlusinski put the hosts ahead after just six minutes with a sweetly struck free-kick. And Pawlusinski put the game to bed in the 58th minute, finishing clinically at the backpost after a low cross evaded everyone.

Arka Gdynia 1 - Gornik Zabrze 0 (Ekstraklasa, August 15, 2008) Wachowicz’s low, hard drive was enough to secure the win for the hosts.

***

Sliven 3 - CSKA Sofia 1 (A Grupa, August 15, 2008)

***

Newcastle Jets 1 - Central Coast Mariners 1 (A-League, August 15, 2008)

***

Iran 2 - Jordan 1 (WAFF final, August 15, 2008) A 25th minute spotkick from Hadi Aghlili and Kianoosh Rahmati’s super strike from 25-yards out, in the 85th minute, helped Iran retain the WAFF title. Jordan’s goal was scored by Amir Deeb in the 80th minute.

***

Estudiantes 2 - Banfield 2 (Apertura, August 15, 2008)

Independiente 1 - San Martin 0 (Apertura, August 15, 2008)