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Although the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will take place on Friday, the competitions taking place in Athens will unofficially begin on Wednesday with the most popular sport in the world, football matches - the first games will be played by the women's teams of groups E, F, and G, and later the men's teams of groups A and C will play.
History
In the world of football, Olympic competitions have not been the most important tournament for a long time. This is because until the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, it was not allowed to play for professionals, and later countries had to be represented by youth (up to 23 years old) teams. Among the advantages of the tournament, one can mention the opportunity for young footballers to shine - players who performed well often later signed contracts with the most famous European clubs.
In 1992 in Barcelona, the tournament was won by the hosts, the Spaniards, with the Polish team finishing second, and the unexpect third place going to the youngest team from Ghana, which included 16-year-old Samuel Kuffour at the time.
Before the Atlanta Olympics, a compromise was reached between FIFA and the Olympic Committee, according to which all teams could have up to three players older than 23 years (this rule also applies this year).
In 1996, the football tournament was won for the first time not by a European or South American team, but by Nigeria representing the African continent. For a long time, it seemed that the winners would be the Brazilian team with players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto.
The semi-final match saw the Brazilians leading against the Nigerians 3-1, but the difference was narrowed by Ikpeba in the 78th minute, and in the last minute of regular time, the team captain Kanu equalized the result. Just three minutes into extra time, Kanu scored the winning goal, finishing what many viewers consider the best Olympic football match of all time.
A similar scenario occurred in the final - there Argentina led 2-1 after accurate shots by Claudio Lopez and Hernan Crespo. However, in the 74th minute, Amokachi equalized the result, and in the last minute, Amunike defeated the Argentine goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero in the presence of 104,000 spectators.
Dramatic moments were also present in Sydney in 2000, where an African team also triumphed - this time it was Cameroon (safeguard of the Vėtra team). In the quarterfinals, the Africans caused a sensation by defeating the Brazilian national team - the result was tied after goals by Patrick Mboma and Ronaldinho. Despite receiving two red cards, the Cameroonians held out until extra time, when Mbami scored the winning goal after coming on as a substitute.
In the semifinal against Chile, the result was tied until the last minute of the second half when Etame Mayer scored from the penalty spot, leading his team to the final. There, in the presence of 104,000 spectators, Spain scored two goals in the first half and missed a penalty kick. However, the "Indomitable Lions" did not give up, scored two goals, and despite having two of their players sent off the field, the Spaniards managed to survive through extra time. In the penalty shootout, the only miss was by Amaya, so the Cameroon national team won the gold medals.
Athens 2004
Group A
1. Greece
2. Mexico
3. South Korea
4. Mali
Schedule
August 11:
Greece - South Korea
Mali - Mexico
August 14:
South Korea - Mexico
Greece - Mali
August 17:
South Korea - Mali
Greece - Mexico
could become the author of a unique achievement if his team manages to win the Olympic tournament. The 23-year-old Panathinaikos forward has already won the European Championship this summer with the Greek national team, and now he will be aiming for Olympic gold. The country is currently very interested in football, so the home advantage may help the Greeks to at least secure one of the top two spots in the group and advance to the quarterfinals.
The Mexican team is expected to put up a strong fight against the Greeks, who performed solidly during the qualifying matches. Mali may also provide some surprises, while predicting the ability of South Korea is not easy.
Group B
1. Italy
2. Paraguay
3. Japan
4. Ghana
Schedule
August 12:
Paraguay - Japan
Ghana - Italy
August 15:
Paraguay - Ghana
Japan - Italy
August 18:
Paraguay - Italy
Japan - Ghana
The European Under-21 champions Italy have enough talent to not only win Group B but also the entire Olympic tournament. In addition to the team leader, who scored 23 goals in Serie A, three older players who also play for the national team - a goalkeeper, a defender, and a midfielder - will join the team.
The main rivals in the group are expected to be Paraguay, who defeated Brazil in the Olympic qualifiers and performed well at the Copa America. Ghana also has a good team, with several players earning money in Italy, including the famous [player name]. Like its Asian neighbor South Korea, Japan's team has many unknown names, making it difficult to assess their true abilities.
Group C
1. Argentina
2. Serbia and Montenegro
3. Australia
4. Tunisia
Schedule
August 11:
Tunisia - Australia
Argentina - Serbia and Montenegro
August 14:
Serbia and Montenegro - Australia
Argentina - Tunisia
August 17:
Argentina - Australia
Serbia and Montenegro - Tunisia
Argentina probably has the most powerful lineup among all the teams in the tournament. This team is not lacking in stars like [player names], but also has very talented players like [player names]. A team made up of almost the same players reached the final of the Copa America only to lose to Brazil.
The inclusion of Serbia and Montenegro in the tournament may seem like a surprise until you see how this team plays. Although the team will lack many players (there may only be 13 of them), their strength lies in teamwork, which helped the Serbians reach the final of the European Under-21 Championship. Australia also put together a strong team, while Tunisia does not seem inclined to give up easily.
Group D
1. Portugal
2. Morocco
3. Costa Rica
4. Iraq
Schedule
August 12:
Costa Rica - Morocco
Iraq - Portugal
August 15:
Costa Rica - Iraq
Morocco - Portugal
August 18:
Costa Rica - Portugal
Morocco - Iraq
The attractive Portuguese team, which played in the European Under-21 Championship, has added experienced defender [player name], midfielder Luis Boa Morte, and talented Euro-2004 runner-up [player name] to the Olympic tournament, making them the favorites in the group.
Most likely, ambitious Morocco will aim for second place in the group, with Costa Rica returning to the Olympic tournament. Meanwhile, war-torn Iraq will probably not be able to present another surprise.
Women's Tournament Teams
Group E
1. Sweden
2. Japan
3. Nigeria
Group F
1. Germany
2. China
3. Mexico
Group G
1. USA
2. Brazil
3. Greece
