Beijing 08' Favourites and dark horses collide

[Wabbit]

Favourites and dark horses collide

Having gone through rigours of qualifying for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament at Beijing 2008, all 16 participants are now aiming to translate their continental success into a push for the podium. The group draw on 20 April split the hopefuls into four sections of four and, with only the top two advancing from each group, fierce battles will inevitably be fought to decide who advances to the quarter-finals. FIFA.com looks closer.

Group A: Defending champions face familiar foes
The draw brought a sense of déjà vu for reigning champions Argentina, who were left to lock horns three familiar rivals. The Albiceleste registered a 1-0 victory over Australia in the group stage en route to the title at Athens 2004 and the team will be hoping to repeat this feat when they renew acquaintances with the Australians on 10 August in Shanghai in their second group fixture.

The South Americans can draw further encouragement from their senior side's sensational 6-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro at the previous FIFA World Cup™, with the Serbians lieing in wait in the third round of group fixtures. Germany 2006 also witnessed a 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire, against whom Argentina open their Group A campaign at Beijing 2008. If everything goes to plan for Sergio Batista's side, the Albiceleste's rivals will certainly do well to match a side set to be bolstered by the sparkling all-star trio of Juan Roman Riquelme, Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi.

Group B: Dutch look to break ground
This group's opening round on 7 August will pit the two favourites, Netherlands and Nigeria, against each other, while outsiders USA and Japan do battle elsewhere. Nigeria, who famously claimed gold in 1996, will be aiming to repeat this remarkable feat, but the Dutch - three-times bronze medalists - have made clear their ambition to enter uncharted territory.

USA, meanwhile, are among the most frequent visitors to the global showpiece, with a total of 13 appearances, including five straight finals from 1984 to 2000. A host of the emerging talents who figured prominently in their last eight finish at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada last year have graduated to an Olympic side for whom there are high hopes. Under former Poland international and MLS all-time great Petr Nowak, the US certainly have the potential to spring a big surprise, while Japan will be aiming to cause a surprise in their home continent.

Group C: Hosts face Brazilian barrier
Initially, it appeared that China had been given one of the more kind draws when they were pitted against the unfancied duo of New Zealand and Belgium. However, the hosts' joy was tempered somewhat when the group's last spot was filled by the mighty Brazil, a team desperate to claim their first Olympic gold. Under Dunga's stewardship and with the talents of players such as Alexandre Pato at his disposal, the South Americans will undoubtedly start among the favourites to win the tournament.

Despite this tough assignment, China can at least count on their star player Zheng Zhi, who will be handed a creative role as one of the three overage players. For the midfield dynamo, the game against Brazil is one to savour. "We can only improve by playing against strong opposition like Brazil," said the Charlton man. "But we won't be scared."

Group D: Taeguk Warriors eye latter stages
While former champions Cameroon are widely considered the main threat to Italy in Group D, Korea Republic coach Park Sung-Wha did not hide his ambition to cause a major upset. In fact, the Taeguk Warriors have already set their sights beyond the group stage. Their quarter-final finish at the previous Olympic Football Tournament was their best-ever and Park is hoping his side can set a new benchmark this time around. "At Athens 2004 we narrowly lost the quarter-final clash against Paraguay," the South Korean coach told FIFA.com. "This adds to our confidence to fulfil our goal for this tournament - to finish the top three."

Eager to showcase their progress at youth level, the Koreans must nevertheless survive the stern test posed by Cameroon in the opening match in Qinhuangdao on 8 August. Next up for the Koreans after that are Italy, a side are composed almost entirely of Serie A representatives. Park's charges will also have to remain wary of the highly-skilled players of Honduras, whose recent record includes a memorable win over regional giants USA in their build-up to the world event.

[Wabbit]

This is gonna be easy.....I know that....

[DelijaZauvjek]

Serbia is going to beat Argentina 3-2.
Goodnight Bruno and goodbye Argentina ;)
hehe
Brazil is going to win it all though.
Hmm Pato, Lulinha, Breno, Anderson, and the list goes on lol.
I don't remember the last time they had this many talents in one decade.

[nb-legenda]

^ I do. Brazil, like most countries, go through a period of recycling. You just can't forget the young Kaka, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo (when he won World Cup at 18 years of age?), etc.

[emode]

Will teams like Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands use their A squad?? I don't think they will because most probably don't take the olympic game as seriously as they would the world cup.

Oh Argentina is the defending champion??? I didn't know that but i suppose they will have no trouble going to the final. Hopefully it will be Brazil vs Argentina..in the final Brazil!!! Brazil!! Sorry B-rabbit ;)

[Wabbit]

`It's ok emode...I know Arg will win that final :D


Bojan..keep dreaming man , no way Serbia can beat us haha :P

[DelijaZauvjek]

^^^^^^^^^

If you say so ;)
Don't say I didn't warn you =D

[emode]

`It's ok emode...I know Arg will win that final :D


Argentina has a much tougher group than Brazil with Socceroos, Serbia and Ivory Coast. But look at Brazil they have Belgium, NZ and China they will breeze thru this group. But good luck to Argentina i'm going to support them too. Argentina has always been a great football nation! :) :thumb:

[Wabbit]

^Thanks...........:D

I guess time will tell

@Bojan....haha no comments man, lets just wait! :)

[sendme]

China: 3 straight loss.

After the game, Chinese commentator say " We China should have Tibet and should have waived hosting Olympics.

[Almir11]

i think argentina will beat serbia 4-0

[DelijaZauvjek]

^^^
at least we made the Olympics.
Where's Bosnia.
Think before you say something smartalic ;)

[nb-legenda]

^ He's predicting a score. He didn't mention Bosnia lol and a lot of top European teams didn't make Olympics. Some don't even give a crap.

[DelijaZauvjek]

Only 3 teams form Europe could make the Olympics.
Holand one of the best in the world.
Belgium great youth in the last couple of years.
Serbia- Right with them for 2007 :)
That includes our win over Italy =D


I don't really care about olympics.
I just hope Milorad Cavic brings us home some Gold Medals and breaks some records =D

Also, Nole, Ana, or Jelena to bring home a medal from Olympics.

I'm geussing we will do good in Volleyball and Waterpolo considering we are top 5 in world in both =D
Yeee
Waterpolo
It's so predictable the last decade these are the countries that have won Euros, World and Olympics
Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary lmao
One of those 3 will win gold. The other silver. The last bronze.

[BessiMIX]

arg 12-0 srb :D

[DelijaZauvjek]

Last time I checked Kosovo doesn't even have a national team.

[nb-legenda]

Bessi stop provoking, and the rest, cut it off, this is Beijing 08 Olympics, no one deserves to be humiliated, provoked, insulted, or anything in this thread.

[judicatormd]

agree with the above poster. i have just edited and deleted posts for now... any more of this will result in warnings and bans.


i predict that korea will make it out of their group :)

[Wabbit]

I dont ven know why u guys r fighting....is a football competition not as life or death competition...

[nb-legenda]

^ :lol: legenda!

The most politics involved in terms of sport is in the Balkans because they're not men to face defeat or even victory for that matter.

[serbov]

And Rabbit.. do not be so confident. You can burn yourself.We have very talented team, and we will not serve you a victory on a silver plate.We will see if Messi Aguero and company will be able to get past Ivanovic and Rajkovic.

[DelijaZauvjek]

And Rabbit.. do not be so confident. You can burn yourself.We have very talented team, and we will not serve you a victory on a silver plate.We will see if Messi Aguero and company will be able to get past Ivanovic and Rajkovic.

We might even call up Vidic....


This is how easy Argentina will be =D

:Playball:


hahah



Don't underestimate the Serbs........
We didn't finish second in Europe in u-21 for no reason. We beat Italy 1-0 =D

[Wabbit]

And Rabbit.. do not be so confident. You can burn yourself.We have very talented team, and we will not serve you a victory on a silver plate.We will see if Messi Aguero and company will be able to get past Ivanovic and Rajkovic.

:ronaldo:

[serbov]

:ronaldo:

:worried:Ok. The landing will be painful, unfortunately.I just wanted to make it softer for you.Sooner you realize that the ball is round for both Serbia and Argentina, better for you.

[Wabbit]

^hahaha thanks but I dont think so....

the match will be or 12-0 or 3-0

[nb-legenda]

Argentina will win, but it won't be easy against the Serbs. b-rabbit, this isn't the Serbia from WC2006, they have a much more renovated squad and there are talents across Man U, Cheslea, PSV, Fener, Fiorentina, etc. that play for Serbia.

[Wabbit]

`I know Im just messing around...:D

[Kanarya]

arg 12-0 srb :D

That's being too sarcastic, 5/6-0 should do it.

And is there any age limit for the olympics? as I know, you have to be under 21..

[DelijaZauvjek]

lol
2-1 for Serbia =D
ALE ALE ALE!!!


You can have players that were born January 1 1985 and so on.....
They have to be under 23 years of age. So, like 22 is fine.

You can have only 3 players that are over 23 years of age.....
Serbia will most likely take Ivanovic, Stojkovic, and Jankovic because they haven't had much time at their clubs and we need them for World Cup.
I don't think that we will post our best squad like some other countries. I think Djukic will be experimenting some players to call up to National Team because if we don't qualify for World Cup, his ass is on the line and that makes him look bad in Spain- Where he wanted to continue his coaching career.



Hey Bruno...
Can you give me the names of some of the players Argentina will most likely be calling up besides Messi and Agguero??
Name some of your other young talents.

[cheetos]

I wish Serbia beat the hell out of Australia.

[BessiMIX]

Sorry if I ofended someone!
Really sorry.

[Wabbit]

Hey Bruno...
Can you give me the names of some of the players Argentina will most likely be calling up besides Messi and Agguero??
Name some of your other young talents.

As far as I know, also Higuain, Moralez, Lavezzi, Ustariz, Gago, andI hope he calls for Buaonanotte, he's only 17 just made his debut on River and is already one of their best strikers

[Wabbit]

That's being too sarcastic, 5/6-0 should do it.

And is there any age limit for the olympics? as I know, you have to be under 21..

5-0 still to much, is not like Arg has a great team either

Peeps honestly if no on here undesrtasnd my sarcams then is not my fault, Im not gonna apologize over that, or explain that the only reason I gave those results is cause backin the WC Arg played serbia & Montenegro, and won 6-0, so this time they either way gonna win 10-0 or 3-0 cause they r just one country...

Get over urselves....is a joke, things changed in those 2 years, and teams r different...

God is just football...none of u is gonna dies if any team loses...

Geez...get all a dictionary and find the word humor for me....

[DelijaZauvjek]

2-1 for Serbia.

Kacar And Zigic will score
=D
Your little 17 year olds don't stand a chance against us lol =D

It's all fun and games Bruno until someone gets hurt..
haha j/k

[BessiMIX]

3-0 for Argentina

Messi, Tevez, Cambiasso

[jelly123]

Australia has an alright team with some good upcoming socceroos as well hope Graham Arnold can take them places

[BessiMIX]

Australia? Versus who will them play? They really have a great starting.

[DelijaZauvjek]

^^^^^

Serbia, Australia, Ivory Coast, and Argentina
are all in the same group

[jelly123]

Olyroos squad:
Nigel Boogaard, Leigh Broxham , Mark Bridge , Nathan Burns , Billy Celeski , Robert Cornthwaite ,Adam DApuzzo , Bruce Djite , Tarek Elrich , Troy Hearfield , James Holland , Adrian Leijer , Mark Milligan , Tahj Minniecon , Stuart Musialik , Justin Pasfield , Nikita Rukavytsya , Sebastian Ryall , Matt Simon , Nikolai Topor-Stanley , Tando Velaphi , Danny Vukovic , David Williams , Ruben Zadkovich, Michael Zullo Adam Federici.

Watch out for Zullo, Holland, Milligan, Minniecon and Topor-Stanley they will b future socceroos no doubt

[Kanarya]

Milligan is the only good one out of that squad, rest are useless.

[Centarfor9]

^^^
at least we made the Olympics.
Where's Bosnia.
...
this should explain it

UEFA announced that the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_UEFA_European_Under-21_Football_Championship) tournament in the Netherlands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands) will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the Olympics. The four semi-finalists from this tournament were awarded UEFA's four places.


The Netherlands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_national_under-21_football_team) was the first European country to qualify for the Olympics as winner of their group, it will be their first appearance since 1952 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_at_the_1952_Summer_Olympics). Serbia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia_national_under-21_football_team) was the second European country to qualify for the Olympics as winner of the other group while Belgium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium_national_under-21_football_team) qualified after reaching the semi-finals. The fourth semi-finalist was England (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_national_under-21_football_team); however, because England competes at the Olympic Games as part of the United Kingdom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom), which does not compete in football, the next two highest ranked teams in the tournament, Italy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_under-21_football_team) and Portugal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_national_under-21_football_team), contested a playoff for the final place, which was won by Italy.

[DelijaZauvjek]

I know this already =D.......
lol

I don't like Italy being in there. Brings just another tough opponent.

Anyhow, i'm really looking forward to seeing some bright new talent this summer at the Olympics.
I'm sure all the countries will try to showcase their young starlets and see which ones are ready for World Cup qualifiers.

[jelly123]

I know this already =D.......
lol

I don't like Italy being in there. Brings just another tough opponent.

Anyhow, i'm really looking forward to seeing some bright new talent this summer at the Olympics.
I'm sure all the countries will try to showcase their young starlets and see which ones are ready for World Cup qualifiers.

Totally agreed, look at some of the countries competing in Bejing countries like Italy, Argentina, Brazil and up and coming countries like Australia, Serbia and Belgium who all have terrific players appearing. The world game has really come far and it will b intresting to see what talents are popping outta these countries

[BessiMIX]

yes, i agree with delija and jelly :thumb:

[Wabbit]

Dont twist my words Boja, Im everything but hurt...unlike all of u Im realistic :D

[BessiMIX]

I am not knowing if you meant boy in boja?

If you said it to me sorry.

[DelijaZauvjek]

Argentina is one of the worst footballin countries in the World..
I don't know what you are talking about Bruno..
Now that you've made me mad.. lol
I say Serbia wins 3-0 against Argentina

Kacar, Zigic, and ZIGIC again.

hahah =D

[Kanarya]

Kacar? sounds Turkish to me

Kahriman and Sulejmani are other muslims for Serbia imo.

[DelijaZauvjek]

HAhahaha

Kacar is definetely not Muslim.

Gojko Kacar..

Sulejmani and Kahriman are...
Ooh well.
We were under Turkish rule for 500 years..
What the hell do you expect.
Many Serbians had to change their religion and names to fit in.

But lets get back to topic.
Kacar def. not Muslim name =D
It's pronounced Kachar.. With the CH Like Stankovi"CH"

[Kanarya]

exactly lol

Kaçar in Turkish, KaCHar in English :D

What's the meaning of Kacar in Serbian?

[DelijaZauvjek]

Idk..
I have to wait till my dad comes back to ask him....
He can tell me where the name originated from too..
He's a name specialist =D

[Wabbit]

^Just cause u r mad doenst mean ur NT will win :D

And I know arg is the worst when it comes to football..thats why we r where we r on the Oficcial football ranking and so is serbia...:lol:

[nb-legenda]

Argentina are number 1 in FIFA Rankings rofl