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Saturday, September 23
Cameroon advances to semifinals


BRISBANE, Australia -- Modeste Mbami scored in overtime for undermanned Cameroon in a stunning 2-1 victory over men's soccer favorite Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Olympics on Saturday.

Cameroon will play Chile in the semifinals.

The Africans had two players sent off during the first 90 minutes. The Brazilians, who tied it only 12 seconds from the end of injury time, couldn't get another shot past 16-year-old goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.

Instead, it was Cameroon that broke out with three men attacking two Brazilian defenders. Mbami took a sideways pass before firing past goalkeeper Helton for the winner.

"I told them we could still win if we organized ourselves," Cameroon coach Jean-Paul Akono said. "It didn't surprise me that we beat Brazil.

"Cameroon players like to attack. My policy is that if we are attacking the other team can't attack us."

The Brazilains were jeered off the field by the fans after an inept performance.

"We had the chances to have won the game and didn't take them," said coach Wanderley Luxemburgo, who also is in charge of the World Cup team. "This has happened before to Brazil at the Olympics. What I am more concerned about is is getting these players a good future career. I just want them to have the chance of being successful."

Patrick Mboma put the Africans ahead with a 25-yard free kick in the 17th minute. Ronaldinho tied it with a free kick deep into second-half injury time.

Cameroon captain Geremi Njitap was ejected 16 minutes from the end for two yellow cards, the second for wasting time. Aaron Nguimbat followed him in injury time for a foul. Cameroon also was called for a stunning 42 fouls against 15 for the Brazilians.

The upset loss meant the Olympic title still eludes the Brazilians, who own a record four World Cup titles. Runners-up in 1984 and '88, they were knocked out in the semifinals in '96 by Nigeria, which won the gold.

Akona sprang a surprise by dropping goalkeeper Daniel Bekono and giving teenager Kameni the assignment against the mighty Brazilians. The youngster soon repaid his judgment, diving to make a good save on Fabiano after only 76 seconds.

He also raced off his line to block Fabiano's shot again after the Brazilian midfielder got clear of the Cameroon defense.

After those early Brazilian chances, Cameroon went ahead in the 17th minute.

Fabiano was called for a handball he disputed and Mboma curled the 25-yard free kick around the wall and over Helton.

The Brazilians continued to squander chances, even with a manpower advantage, until Ronaldhino tied it.

Chile beat Nigeria 4-1 as veteran striker Ivan Zamorano scored one goal and assisted on another. Pablo Contreras, Reinaldo Navia and Rodrigo Tello also scored for Chile. Tello also had two assists.

Victor Agelin netted the Nigerian goal with 14 minutes to go.

It was the first time Chile made it so far in the Olympic tournament.

Gabriel "Gabri" Garcia scored off the left goalpost in the 87th minute as Spain stunned Italy 1-0. The substitute midfielder brought a capacity crowd to its feet after a largely lifeless match between the European powers. Taking a ball from Xavier "Xavi" Hernandez on the right side of the penalty area, Gabri sent a low skipping shot that hit the inside of the far post before bouncing in. Spain plays the United States in the other semifinal.



 

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Stunning shootout victory sends U.S. to soccer semis




   
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