Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 2-1 extra-time victory over the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the Olympic football tournament yesterday.

The Barca phenomenon gave the defending champions the lead in the 14th minute, and released Angel Di Maria for the winner in the 105th minute. Otman Bakkal had equalised for the Dutch after 36 minutes.

Lionel Messi was inspirational for Argentina

Brazil, which is chasing its first ever Olympic gold medal in football, also needed extra time to defeat Cameroon 2-0, Rafael Sobis and Marcelo on target to secure a semifinal berth for Carlos Dunga’s men. Cameroon midfielder Albert Baning was sent off early in the second half.

Brazil now faces fierce South American rivals Argentina in a mouthwatering semifinal clash.

The surprise of the round saw Belgium stun Italy 3-2 in a game which saw both sides reduced to ten men. Giuseppe Rossi gave Italy the lead from the spot – in an incident which saw Belgium Thomas Vermalen ejected for a foul on Robert Aquafresca – before Moussa Dembele and Kevin Mirallas struck to put Belgium in front at the break. Another Rossi penalty drew Italy level, but Dembele fired Belgium into the semifinals with 11 minutes left. Italian keeper Emiliano Viviano was sent off shortly after an altercation with a Belgian player.

In an all-African tie, Nigeria eliminated Ivory Coast 2-0 to set up a semifinal meeting with Belgium. Peter Odemwingie gave Nigeria the lead just before half-time before Victor Obinna sealed the win with a late penalty.

Quarterfinal results