Angel Di Maria scored a glorious winner as Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 on Saturday to claim a second successive Olympic football gold medal.

In a game which was otherwise short on quality – in large part due to the blistering heat, which compelled the referee to stop play twice for water breaks – Di Maria combined with the ever-inspirational Lionel Messi to produce the decisive moment 3 minutes before the hour.

Messi released Di Maria with a precise through ball, and the 19-year-old Benfica finished the move with a brilliant lob over the advancing Ambruse Vanzekin for the only goal of the game.

Di Maria won the game with a brilliant lob

Earlier in the half Messi had seen his long-range drive parried by Vanzekin after a clever spin to lose his marker.

Having spent most of the match focusing on containing Messi and company, Nigeria pushed forward for the equaliser, but a close-range flick from Victor Anichebe – which was smothered by Argentine keeper Sergio Romero – was the only clear-cut chance they were able to muster as Sergio Batista’s team held on to defend the title it won in Athens in 2004.

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