2008 Men's Olympic Soccer: The Best XI

The 2008 Men's Olympic Soccer Tournament will be remembered for some classic matchs, amazing goals, and for most American fans, for a terrible elbow and tournament that was shorter than it could have been.

It should also be remembered for the memorable performances, be they stunning goals or masterful efforts over the course of the entire tournament.

There is little debating that Lionel Messi was the star of the tournament. He wasn't just the player so many casual fans wanted to see, he wound up being the best player in China, showing off his electric speed and beautiful passing.

There were plenty of other great performances, from Moussa Dembele's two-goal effort for Belgium to eliminate Italy, to Chinedu Ogbuke Obassi's display in the semifinal win against Belgium, and lastly Lionel Messi's showing in the Gold Medal match, when he raced around Nigeria's stingy defense before finally setting up the game-winning goal with another deft pass.

With all this in mind, here is a look at the SBI Olympic All-Tournament Team:

2008 Olympics Men's Soccer All-Tournament Team

• Goalkeeper- Ambruse Vanzekin, Nigeria
• Defender- Alex Silva, Brazil
• Defender- Breno, Brazil
• Defender- Ezequiel Garay, Argentina
• Midfielder- Lionel Messi, Argentina
• Midfielder- Fernando Gago, Argentina
• Midfielder- Anderson, Brazil
• Midfielder- Angel DiMaria, Argentina
• Forward- Moussa Dembele, Belgium
• Forward- Chinedu Ogbuke Obassi, Nigeria
• Forward- Peter Odemwingie, Nigeria

I'm sure there'll be questions about some of the selections. Here are a few explanations:

I know Vanzekin blundered in coming off his line on the game-winning goal in the gold medal match, but he was stellar throughout the tournament up until that point and deserves his place. Dutch goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer deserves honorable mention.

Forward was a tough one to call, but I feel like Odemwingie was dangerous all tournament and served as a perfect partner for Ogbuke Obassi. I considered putting Gerald Sibon in, as well as Sergio Aguero, but both get honorable mention.

I know big stars Juan Riquelme and Ronaldinho will get consideration from some, but I just think the four I list had better tournaments. Giovinco is was the only player in the Best XI who didn't reach the semifinals but his skill in Italy's four games was unquestioned. Upon further review, I decided that DiMaria merited the spot ahead of Giovinco.

If you watched the Argentina-Brazil game you'll probably ask how both Alex Silva and Breno make the team when they were toasted by Argentina. It's simple, they were untouchable the rest of the tournament, posting five shutouts in six matches. You could have argued for a Nigeria defender in that spot, but Silva and Breno were beasts.

Gago and Anderson may not have made many highlight reels during the tournament but the work both men put in were keys in their teams' successes.

So who did I miss? Who do you you think should have made the Best XI that I forgot? Who did I include that you think has no business on the list?

Share your thoughts on the Olympic Best XI below.

Comments

[EssEff]

Gago? I never realized that guy was such a thug. Always draped around the oppositions best playmaker. He played anti-football.

[Tim]

How did Guzan do compared to Vanzekin? Would any Americans have made the 2nd or 3rd team?

[Super Metro]

It's interesting to see how the Americans compare to the best 11. I'm still not convice with Guzan. I mean the guys makes the right saves etc. but nothing spectacular; those saves a goalkeeper have to have in a game; I haven't seen one yet

[LJ]

Wynne could be honorable mention, the US's best player of the tourney for sure.

[JC]

EssEff, that's Gago's job. He's an enforcer that is supposed to get under the opponent's skin and he does it to perfection.

[ldq]

Hey EssEff, its called marking and every good team has someone who does it; albeit some aren't as flagrant as Gago

[metrostar 4 life]

anderson? he didn't look good at all in argentina game, personally thought sacha had a good olympics

[Dax McCarty]

I owned this tournament.

[mikeK]

Nigerian keeper? I dunno. Seemed clumsy to me.

[EssEff]

Marking? More like hacking. I guess I expect more from an Argentinean.

[garbaggio]

I didn't see most of the games but I woulndn't blame Vanzekin for Di Maria's goal in the final.

Nigeria pushed players forward into the attack and lost possession. Messi sent an excellent long pass into Di Maria's path who had a better angle to goal than the only Nigerian defender in the vicinity. Vanzekin had to come out and Di Maria lobbed him nicely.

[seven]

I'm interested in how De Guzman played if anybody saw the Netherlands play. I understand he didn't do much against the US.

[Marc]

Nigeria keeper? He nearly got the US into the quarters with the reckless challenge that led to the PK. If Nigeria ties, then they play argentina in the quarters.

[Joe D.]

I think Obinna should be in the Best XI for sure. He was a major driving force behind Nigeria's performance.

Also, Rossi could be considered for the Best XI as he was the top scorer in the tournament.

[Kevin]

The easy answer is Mascherano. He belongs in the best 11. Without him you don't see all the free movement from Messi, Aguero, Riquelme, Di Maria.

[The Athority]

The players on the All-Olympic team all got out of group play, you'll notice.

If the USA had gotten out, they would have had someone on that team also.

Nigerian goalkeepers IQ is about 47. He should have gotten red carded against the US. Just stupid being that far off your line at the end of a 2-0 game, and up a man.

And Mascherano played better than Gago. I watch Mascherano almost every week and you don't notice him unless you look for him. He reads the game like a young Makelele and just breaks up so many plays. There may be 3-4 holding/defensive midfielders in the world as good as him. And yes, he did have a good Olympics.

He just doesn't have the sexy hair that Gago has.

[EDB]

I don't know .. i would have Rossi in there or at least in the explanatino part.. maybe ives is mad at him because he turned his back on NJ to play for italy :p

[Johnny]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[kqql]

The FIFA GOlden Shoe Award goes to Rossi.

[Danny]

What a joke...How can Di Maria not be in the best 11...Scored 2 game winning goals...including a big one in the final

[NateinSF]

Ives - Want to throw out any commentary on the Micheal Bradley transfer saga?

Thanks

[timpramas]

I like your list but would add Marta as a striker and Hope Solo as the goalkeeper.

[ives]

I think gago and mascherano were both effective but i think gago was better in the semi and final. I also liked obinna but preferred odemwingie. As for vanzekin, sure he had shaky moments vs. USA but he made key saves all tournament, including vs. USA.

[BishopMVP]

Eh... most of Rossi's goals were on PK's. He did well taking them, but I don't know if that compares to goals in the run of play.

Best player not on the list was Gervinho. Dominated the games he was in, just didn't have people that could finish up front in the Nigeria game.

[jahs]

hey this is kind of late but where was lee nyguen on the us team?

[Danny]

Great call Ives. Half the best 11 from Argentina and the other half from Nigeria. :P

[yoman]

P.K or no P.k Rossi will win the Fifa Golden Show award for Beijing 2008.

Anyway, Giovinco was a no show vs Cameroon or Beligium. So how can he be included in the best X1?

Also, Giovinco missed 2 1 on 1 vs Beligium.
@ 5 ' and 25 Min.

[wjmooner]

Vanzekin's stupid challenge in the U.S. game alone should rule him out. I guess that means I'd have to go with Argentina's goalkeeper, who looked solid throughout the tournament.

Mascherano > Gago, but it's pretty close.

Wynne did an incredible job defensively for the U.S., I was pleasantly surprised.

[The Athority]

jahs,

Nyguen was right where he was suppose to be.

Off the team. He's not any good.

[Rocco]

I know the US must have a very bitter taste in their mouth..

To see a team we almost tied with 10 guys make the final and then have a lot of the guys be considered top performers.

The 91st+ goal, the red card, the dumb yellows. The US did everything in their power NOT to advance.

I know I feel our players should have been directed better, maybe the coach... whow knows. Anyway, I will not speak of this again.

Don't look back guys, look forward.

[MiamiAl]

What? McBride is not on that list?? Oh yeah, I forgot, he was a total bust!

[Aquaman]

Really? Venzekin? I thought he looked like that awkward kid everyone had on their highschool team who doesn't really have control of his arms and legs but just throws them about.

[ldq]

Yeah, the Nigeria goalkeeper, not so much. He was inconsistent and sloppy. Ives, I think a revision is called for.

[NateinSF]

MICHAEL BRADLEY TRANSFER UPDATE PLEASE

[wendel]

wynne or edu for the us were terrific.

[Ives]

Regarding the goalkeeper position, Argentina used two goalkeepers in the tournament. Ustari was the starter and got hurt mid-way through, paving the way for Romero.

As for Vanzekin, if you're an American fan whose sample size of Vanzekin's work consists solely of the USA match and the final, I could see you taking issue with the selection. Having seen every minute of all six of Nigeria's games I can tell you he had as many, if not more, clutch saves than any goalkeeper in the tournament. The Best XI isn't based on who is the best skillwise, it's who performed the best. Writing him off because he had one clumsy challenge in the USA game doesn't make much sense. Was he awkward? Yes, I could agree with that at times, but I also saw him step up repeatedly and more times than any goalkeeper in the tournament. Brazil's goalkeeper Renan had six shutouts but how many tough shots did he face? Same for Argentina, which used two goalkeepers? Romero, who played the final, looks like he might be the most talented in the tournament (though I'm pretty sure that honor goes to Oscar Ustari, Argentina's starter before getting hurt). If Ustari doesn't get hurt, he probably walks away with the honor, but seeing as how Romero and Ustari both played half the tournament, I give the edge to Vanzekin, who stepped up repeatedly.

If someone wants to make a case for another goalkeeper please feel free, but the whole "He looked shaky against the USA so he can't be the pick" logic is a bit of a weak argument.

As for American players getting consideration, I think Wynne is the one player who would merit an automatic honorable mention. The rest would struggle for consideration in my book.

[Raghu]

I would have replaced Gago (who played really well) with Mascherano - I thought he was the defensive engine of that team.

Not sure how you describe Riquelme. He wasn't the MVP of Argentina - but is the glue and heart of the attack. Can't really argue with any of the picks. What about Drenthe, or Kalou, or Wynne from the U.S.?

[Dan Karell]

so much for the supposed dominance of Europe....only 2 players from there. plus is dembele also able to play for an african country? (via parents or grandparents)

[Ives]

Raghu, I would have agreed on Mascherano before the final, but I feel Gago had the better final (and semifinal actually) so that's why I gave him the nod.

And as class as Riquelme was, I didn't think he had nearly the impact I thought he would have. I think he was way to content to sit back and let Messi work his magic. Also, his free kicks were awful all tournament long.

I liked Drenthe in the first two games (Nigeria, USA) but didn't like him as much vs. Argentina. He's in the conversation. Kalou wasted way too many chances to be considered. I know someone mentioned Gervinho. Yes, he showed some nice skill, but his team's inability to finish cost him (you can't give a guy credit for assists that should have been).

As for Wynne, unless you managed three goals in the first round I can't see how you make a Best XI without escaping the group stage. Wynne's honorable mention. As for Edu, as great as he was in the first two games, he did get caught in no-man's land on both Nigeria goals (though he wasn't toasted like Parkhurst) so he had one great game (Japan), one good game (Netherlands) and one eh game (Nigeria). Not really Best XI-worthy.

[yoman]

Hey Ives did u write this? I thought it was interesting find I came across

"Fans of grass-roots soccer might be interested in watching a 5-year-old sensation, Giuseppe Rossi, play in the Clifton Stallions recreation program.

... Rossi has a powerful kick and has been known to overpower 7- and
8-year-olds in league play."

Hackensack Record, July 7, 1992

[Mig]

On the vast number of poor free-kicks in the olympics by guys who are normally pretty good (ex. Riquelme):

Were they using a different ball? It's something I should have known while watching but I didn't think of it.

Cheers,

[NateinSF]

thanks

[Aquaman]

I'd put Vermeer in goal. I watched him make some very good saves against the US. Dutch didn't move on as far as all the other players picked in your 11, but he wasn't bad. The fact that the dutch allowed as few points as they did with that defense is a testament to him.

[Heffe]

I think Danny was right about Di Maria. He wasn't necessarily stellar, but he did score a couple of crucial goals.

Also, I think Aguero looked good. I am just bummed Chelsea would not be able to bring him to the Bridge.

[derrick]

ouch ives, deleting comments now? i'm disappointed you aren't showing support for another member of the online soccer community.

[Ives]

Derrick, give it a rest. Posting links to other websites isn't something I allow in the comments. This is not a new thing. I've removed them consistently because, quite frankly, where would it stop?

[Danny]

Di Maria is going to be a gifted player in the future...I can't wait to see him in action for Benfica this season...Then next season Benfica will be selling him for over 30Mill...It's a win win for Benfica

[derrick]

fair enough. i didnt realize that was the policy. i apologize for coming off a little harsh.

[The Athority]

Ives,

Thank you so much for not just posting an article or opinion, but coming on the blog and mixing it up. It is so refreshing.

Everyone may not always agree but you bring 2 things to the table:

1. An opinion. No matter who you chose as the first XI, some people will not agree.

2. Knowledge from watching all the games. I can't tell you how many writers, talk show hosts, etc. don't even watch games and just repeat another person's opinion.

Kudos.

[IHateDC]

Wynne? Have you ever seen him cross?

[JK]

Sorry Ives. I watched a lot of Vanzekin like you, and I think Vermeer played better than him. Also, where is Obinna? Other than that great job with this Starting XI.

[wjmooner]

Ives--

Great defense of your goalkeeper selection. For some reason I was thinking at the time of my earlier post that Romero started all the games and was only subbed out of the Brazil game, but of course Ustari started them and did not play in the final.

I'll take your word for it with respect to the other Nigeria games then, since I only watched half of them.

[andacagar]

Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano Mascherano...
he is Argentinas most important player and he was the reason Argentina won the Gold again. He is the only player that won it this year and at the previos olympics. He is one of the top midfielders in the world, this guy is mad underated.

[aaron]

Liverpool paid a large sum of money to sign Mascherano, I'm pretty sure he's not "mad underated" :) That said, I'd include him as well in the best 11.

[tincho]

Ives have you ever watch brazil play??
Breno was the worst player in the olympic games......
please stop looking the games statistics and start watching the games.

[Ives]

Tincho, have you seen Breno play or did you limit your viewing to the Argentina game? If you watched Breno throughout the tournament he was a beast. Now you can disagree, but spare me the "did you watch him play" bit. It's WEAK.

[Joamiq]

Ives, you've got to be kidding about the Nigerian goalkeeper. The guy is clueless. He made a huge mistake in the gold medal game and I have NO idea what he was doing against the US. He looked like he wanted to be a field player.