Soccer

Olympic soccer has often failed to set the pulses racing since its introduction in 1900. However, Argentina bucked that trend and won the men's event to end its 52-year gold medal drought.

At the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 football was cancelled due to lack of interest.

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Passionate, imaginative and totally ruthless, Argentina have given it a long-overdue shot in the arm on its return to Athens.

Olympic soccer has often failed to set the pulses racing since its eventual introduction in 1900 with Europe not bothering to send their top players due to club commitments.

However, Argentina bucked that trend and won the men's tournament in pulsating style to end the country's 52-year gold medal drought.

Fittingly, the tournament's best player Carlos Tevez scored the winner as Argentina beat regional neighbours Paraguay 1-0 to give Latin America a first Olympic soccer gold since 1928.

Iraq, distracted by news of escalating violence back home, battled into the semi-finals, only to run into political controversy.

Meanwhile, the United States won the women's tournament, giving Hall of Famer Mia Hamm the perfect end to a glittering career.

Led by Boca Juniors forward Tevez, a Maradona clone who finished with eight goals, Argentina won all six games, scoring 17 times and conceding none to win their first Olympic title since a rowing gold at the Helsinki Games.