Belarus beats New Zealand 1-0 at Olympics
Posted Friday, July 27, 2012 by YAHOO Sport
COVENTRY, England (AP) -- Dmitry Baga scored in the first half to give Belarus a 1-0 win over New Zealand in their Group C opener at the Olympic football tournament on Thursday.
Baga scored with a header just before halftime, which proved enough to secure the three points at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Belarus dominated the first half, before New Zealand came out stronger for the second but was unable to break through the Europeans' defense.
Sergei Korolenko had the first chance for Belarus in the opening minute, rifling a shot wide of New Zealand 'keeper Michael O'Keefe's goal. New Zealand striker Chris Wood forced a save from Belarus goalkeeper Aleksandr Gutor when he powered a header toward goal in the 15th minute.
O'Keefe then did well to keep out an attempt by Renana Bressan Bardini, who nearly scored from a corner. The goalkeeper was called into action again from the resulting corner, denying Baga from close range.
However, O'Keefe was partly at fault for the Belarus goal, as he failed to get to a cross from the left win, leaving Baga totally unmarked to head home.
Belarus faces tournament favorite Brazil on Sunday in its second game of the group stage. New Zealand plays Egypt.
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