The Olympics start today(I know that football(soccer) already started, but I do have to sleep some time). Below is my 16 team preview(or postview now that it's started), in order of how they will finish.
GROUP A
Argentina: The favorites in the tournament, and they should be. They have young players like Messi, Mascherano, Gago and Aguero who could start for most senior sides. They also used one of their over-23 roster spots on the mercurial Riquelme. It seems the footballing(soccering) world is divided over the playmaker, but anybody who saw him in Villareal's Champions League run or in the World Cup knows what he is capable of. He is one of the slowest players in the world, but he has a vision on the pitch that makes him a great distributor. This may have been the summer of Spain, but Argentina should go home with the gold.
Ivory Coast: They have come on strong and look for them to be a dark horse at South Africa in 2010, assuming they qualify. Their youth side is very similar, with a strong attack and a whole lot of pace. Salomon Kalou is their best known player, but Gervinho and Sekou Cisse should contribute goals as well. It will be interesting to see if they can go back as well as forward.
Serbia: Runners up to Holland at the UEFA U-21 in 2007, they are in a tough group. They will need a victory over Argentina(unlikely) or Ivory Coast(possible) to get out of the group stage.
Australia: Enjoy the sights boys. It's going to be a short trip.
GROUP B
Netherlands: They are the reigning U-21 champions of Europe and one of the pre-tournament favorites. Players like Babel, Drenthe, Maduro, Makaay and Sno bring top flight experience and are ready for the big stage. The question with the Netherlands is how to accomodate all the forwards, and this team has a plethora of talented left sided talent that they'll have to work in. At their best they can challenge Argentina, but don't be surprised by a Dutch collapse at some point.
USA: Trying not to be an early casualty, America has brought a strong squad to the Olympics. Led by veteran Brian McBride, the squad also includes Michael Bradley, Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore. All three have experience with the senior side, and will be the core of the US team for years to come. An injury to Jonathan Spector hurts, but they will have Brad Guzan in goal. If Peter Nowak's team can play strong defense and take points from Nigeria or the Netherlands, they will have a chance. A chance to take on Argentina(yikes).
Nigeria: It's a bold(or stupid) move to put this team third in the group, when many think they will bring home a medal. Included in their side is the veteran Peter Odimwingie, who will terrify teenage defenses, and Victor Anichebe. Anichebe has impressed at Everton, and will have to be watched closely. If they struggle in defense, they may not make it out of the group stage.
Japan: Don't worry, it's a quick flight home.
GROUP C
Brazil: With all the talk of Argentina and the Netherlands, Brazil seems to have flown under the radar, which is shocking considering they have Ronaldinho on the team. He is joined by Milan teammate Pato, and Premiership boys Jo, Anderson and Lucas Leiva. Whether Ronaldinho can gel with the rest of the team is a question, but if he's at his best then it may not even matter.
Belgium: It's not that the Belgians are that good, the rest of the group is that bad. They have fallen from grace on the international scene, and it will be interesting to see if this generation can bring them back.
China: 1.3 billion people.
New Zealand: 4.3 million people.
GROUP D
Italy: Since only senior citizens were allowed to play at Euro Cup, it will be interesting to see their youth. Two players to watch will be Rocchi and Rossi, as they should be netting the goals for the Azzurrini. Both are prolific in Serie A, and with the stoic Italian defense supporting them they should move on.
Cameroon: They won the gold in 2000, and while they should advance don't expect them to do it again. Unlike the other African teams they will rely on their defense and players like Andre Bikey and Alexandre Song. I'm sure they wished that they could call on Eto'o, but hopefully Gustave Mbangue and Stephane Mbia will be able to provide the offense.
South Korea: Again, a short flight home.
Honduras: Sorry, you have a much longer flight.
Gold: Argentina
Silver: Brazil
Bronze: Netherlands to defeat Italy.
