Favourites Argentina, one game away from their first Olympic soccer title, are laying the foundations for a new era of international success in Greece.
Argentina, who would have made sure of their place in Germany if they had won, lost 0-2.
Summary of the South American World Cup qualifiers played on Thursday
Asian champions India are placed in Pool C alongside Canada, South Korea and Spain. They start their tournament campaign against Korea on December 5.
David Nalbandian won his delayed singles match and then teamed up with Mariano Puerta to win the doubles.
Lionel Messi's Argentina brushed aside Paraguay 3-1 to go top of the South American 2014 World Cup qualifiers at the Mario Kempes stadium on Friday.
'I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final'
Beaten and bored by "ordinary" Argentina, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said he was less than impressed by a team that ended his side's World Cup hopes on Saturday.
Belgium pointed to Eden Hazard as a potential match winner as they laid out a strategy to combat Lionel Messi and Argentina when they meet in their World Cup quarter-final in Brasilia on Saturday.
The forwards wasted chances galore as India, despite dominating the proceedings settled for a 1-1 draw with Argentina in the second match of the four-Test Under-21 hockey series at the Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires. The Indians won the first match of the series 3-2.
In the streets of the capital, revellers partied early into the hours of Monday. Fans climbed onto bus stops and lamp-posts, blared horns, banged drums and set off fireworks into the night sky. Some even climbed the tall Obelisco monument.
Five of the Australian goals were field efforts while three were from the penalty corners. Australia earned eight PCs as against five of the South Africans.
Carlos Tevez scored from a free kick for the second game in a row in a 3-0 win in the Copa America football semi-final.
World Cup contenders Argentina arrived in Brazil with high hopes but Saturday's last-gasp win over underdogs Iran exposed deficiencies within the team that need rapid improvement if they are to mount a realistic title bid.
He has won a Copa America, 11 league titles, four Champions League titles, three Club World Cups and three UEFA Super Cups. Now he has the most coveted one of all.
Diego Maradona, expected to be confirmed as Argentina's new coach on Tuesday, has likened his future team to a grimy Rolls Royce. Maradona is set to take charge for the first time in the friendly in Scotland on November 19.
Jannik Sinner won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open on Sunday.
Delhi Crime, Rocket Boys and Vir Das: Landing won Shefali Shah, Jim Sarbh and Vir Das Emmy nominations.
The draw gave India the fourth position in Group B in the Olympic men's hockey tournament.
Argentina and holders Brazil, who between them have 11 titles, will miss this year's Under-20 World Cup in Turkey after abysmal results in the South American qualifying tournament.
Not even a lively performance from Lionel Messi - at least in the first half in St Petersburg - as they edged out Nigeria 2-1 to finish second in Group D will give their large travelling band of supporters in Russia much in the way of confidence.
Five-time champions India's title hopes came a cropper after they suffered a 2-3 defeat against Argentina in a crucial match of the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament Ipoh (Malaysia) on Wednesday.
The Israeli government on Sunday approved the appointment of Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador to India.
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez could be in more trouble after he missed training without permission on Wednesday in order to return to Argentina.
On a six-day visit to the south American country, the spiritual leader -- in separate events -- addressed the Argentine Senate, 1,600 business leaders and nearly 14,000 Argentinians.
