On Sunday, 10.08.2008, the Brazilian national team had little trouble beating New Zealand 5:0 to book their place in the quarter finals of the Olympic football tournament. AC Milan superstar Ronaldinho shone with a brace (55’ / 61’) whilst the rest of Brazil’s goals were scored by Anderson (3’), Alexandre Pato (34’) and Rafael Sobis (93’). Werder Bremen’s Diego was in the starting eleven in front of a 45,000 strong crowd in Sheyang and was substituted in the 72nd minute. Schalke 04’s Rafinha and Bayern Munich’s Breno also started for the ‘Selecao’.

It was a less positive day for Serbia with Werder’s Dusko Tosic, making his first appearance at the Olympic Games, who now have an uphill struggle if they are to make the last eight. Tosic & Co. lost 4:2 to the Ivory Coast in Shanghai. Milja Mrdakovic equalised for Serbia after Sekou Cisse had put the Africans in front after 16 minutes but a Serbian own goal and a strike from Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou made it 3:1. Djordje Rakic hit back in the 90th minute but in injury time Gervinho made it 4:2 for the ‘Elephants’.