Certainly the great South American rivals, arguably the two greatest soccer nations of all-time. Think Pele, think Maradona. In the last few years think Ronaldinho, think Messi. So when the men in gold faced the blue and white stripes in the men's semi-finals, it was likely the gold medal match (all due respect to Nigeria, who will be in the final).

At half-time it was 0-0. Stalemate. So who best replenished themselves at half-time to go on and earn victory? And what are the nutritional requirements at half-time for a sport like soccer? In players starting with an adequate nutritional status, fluid or electrolyte losses are not usually a limiting factor in performance towards the end of games. However, carbohydrate shortfalls are almost certainly responsible for fatigue in games. Low carbohydrate levels can compromise mental skills as well as physical performance, and there is consensus that carbohydrate supplementation can improve performance. Muscle glycogen stores are generally quite low at the end of games, and even when overall stores are not depleted, carbohydrate may be depleted in specific limiting muscle fibres.

Carbohydrate supplementation to replace lost muscle glycogen makes sense and has been shown to help prevent deterioration in the performance of soccer players in simulated matches and to improve performance in soccer. However, gastric-emptying studies have shown that the activity levels in competitive games are such that they are likely to delay gastric emptying and possibly reduce the effectiveness of carbohydrate drinks given immediately prior to or during matches.

To counteract slow gastric emptying, glucose polymers (maltodextrins) have been recommended for many years; they have a lower osmolality than simple sugars, can improve gastric emptying and are relatively light on the stomach. Recent research from Birmingham University suggests that energy drinks using multiple energy substrates may result in improved energy delivery to the muscles. Combinations of maltodextrin and fructose would therefore seem to be a sensible combination to form the basis of a half-time nutritional strategy, combining good gastric emptying with the benefits of multiple energy substrate transport across the small intestine.

Half-time is, however, relatively short and care should be taken to maximise the opportunity to refuel when gastric emptying is not limited by intense match activity. Isotonic energy gels can be a practical solution, providing players with a bonus dose of carbohydrate as they leave the field, gaining valuable recovery time over a team waiting until they reach the changing rooms to get drinks.

The second half suggests that Brazil, who love pure football, hadn't done their research. The Argentineans had and the final score of 3-0 showed this.

Brazil had lost all composure and the frustration you associate with tired, hungry, thirsty children descended upon the whole team. If only they'd had their energy drinks at half-time. They proceeded to petulantly foul their rivals and had two players sent off.

As mentioned Argentina will take on Nigeria in the final, and more than likely defend their 2004 gold.

Learn how to produce gold winning performances with this football training programme

Click here to see what our other Olympic Blogger, Matt Renton, thought of this match