As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games draw near, football enthusiasts have much to look forward to, extending the excitement beyond the recent Euro 2024 and Copa America tournaments.
The Olympic football competition, commencing on Wednesday across seven French cities, is set to highlight both emerging talents and seasoned stars.
Rising Stars and Established Legends
One of the standout players to keep an eye on is Argentina’s Julian Alvarez. Fresh from Argentina’s Copa America victory, Alvarez joins as one of the three overage players permitted in the men’s under-23 squad. The Manchester City forward, who netted 11 goals in 36 appearances last season, is expected to play a crucial role in Argentina’s quest for the gold medal.
In the women’s tournament, Brazil’s Marta is preparing for her Olympic farewell. At 38 years old, and as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Marta aims to crown her illustrious career with an Olympic gold, having previously secured silver medals in 2004 and 2008. Brazil’s manager Arthur Elias praised her inclusion, stating, “She’s playing well, she deserved to be on this list.”
France’s men’s team will be led by Alexandre Lacazette, chosen as captain by coach Thierry Henry. The 33-year-old Lyon forward shared his ambition: “We all have the same ambition, to go all the way and win a medal. The fact that it’s a home Games is really going to motivate us,” Lacazette said.
Spain’s women’s team, making their Olympic debut, enters as one of the favourites. Attention will be on Aitana Bonmati, who is fresh from winning the Nations League with Spain and a quadruple with Barcelona.
Players to Watch
Other notable players include Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, France women’s captain Wendie Renard, and Spain’s Fermin Lopez, who has the potential to make history by winning both the Euros and Olympic gold in the same summer.
The tournament also showcases exciting prospects like Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, who at 19 is already considered one of the best in women’s football, and Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who made history in Tokyo by scoring back-to-back hat-tricks.
The Tournament Setup
The Olympic football tournament will feature 16 teams from around the globe, competing across seven cities in France. Running from July 24 to August 9, the event will spotlight emerging talents and established stars alike, all vying for Olympic glory.
Teams are divided into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages. The tournament will culminate in the gold medal match at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris, promising an unforgettable spectacle for football fans worldwide.
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