Javier Mascherano, Lucas Levia and Ryan Babel all played their first games of the 2008 Olympics yesterday.

Mascherano played the full 90 minutes as Argentina began their defence of their title with a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast. Lucas played the full game as Brazil overcame nine man Belgium 1-0 while Ryan Babel played the full 90 as Holland were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw with Nigeria.