Scot Holden earns his stars and stripes

LIONEL Messi played and scored in an Argentina victory over the Ivory Coast, Brazil scraped past Belgium, a Scot was the hero for the United States, and Celtic's Evander Sno was red-carded as the Netherlands drew 0-0 with Nigeria, in an action-packed opening day of the men's Olympics football tournament.

Messi, the Barcelona forward, scored one goal and set up another in Argentina's 2-1 victory as three players embroiled in a clubvcountry court action were finally given permission to remain in Beijing, despite a ruling in favour of their European employers. Diego and Rafinha helped Brazil to a 1-0 win over Belgium.

Scot Stuart Holden, who gained American citizenship last year, ended the United States' three-game scoring drought with a goal in the second half, giving his new country a 1-0 victory over Japan.

Aberdeen-born Holden, who hasn't scored for Houston in 16 Major League Soccer games this season but had three goals in the North American SuperLiga, pounced on a loose ball and though Japanese goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa was able to parry the shot, he couldn't keep it from trickling over the line in the 47th minute.

"It's always a good feeling to get a goal," said Holden, who was formerly on the books of Sunderland. "It's great to get a goal not only personally, but to get a win."

A victory was critical for both teams with the more heavily favoured Dutch and Nigerians also in Group B. "It was very important," added USA midfielder Freddy Adu. "Now we have to go against Holland, then Nigeria. I couldn't be happier. The guys couldn't be happier."

They perhaps were happier when a 0-0 draw between their group rivals left the Americans two points clear at the top of their section.

The Netherlands finished the match with ten men after Sno was sent off for a 91st-minute foul on Emmanuel Ekpo, who had come on only two minutes earlier.

Bolstered by Liverpool's Ryan Babel and veteran Roy Makaay, the Dutch were picked in many pre-Olympic predictions to challenge Argentina and Brazil for the title.

But the Nigerians created several quality chances only to lack a final touch. The Dutch created the better chances early, most dramatically when Makaay volleyed a shot off the crossbar in the ninth minute.

"It's not a disaster. We can play better," Netherlands coach Foppe de Haan said.

Meanwhile, Messi was given a rapturous reception when he ran out for Argentina. He was included in the line-up even before his club had given the 21-year-old permission to play. He opened the scoring for the 2004 champions in the 43rd minute before Sekou Cisse equalised with a powerful header in the 52nd.

But Messi's shot led to a winner five minutes from time, Lautaro Acosta turning the ball home after the Barcelona players' shot had been blocked by the goalkeeper.

Hernanes scored in the 79th minute to put Brazil top of Group C, though coach Dunga admitted his line-up had difficulties getting past Belgium's defence, with Logan Bailly picked as goalkeeper ahead of Hibs' Yves Makalambay.

The physical Belgians had Vincent Kompany and Marouane Fellaini sent off in the last half hour for second bookable offences.

Hosts China needed a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with rank outsiders New Zealand in the same group, thanks to a Dong Fangzhuo header in the 88th minute after Jeremy Brockie had put New Zealand ahead early in the second half.

Georges Mandjeck scored in the 81st minute to give Cameroon, winners in Sydney in 2000, a point after Park Chu Young's goal had put South Korea top of Group D. Italy lead after beating Honduras 3-0.