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Soccer Olympics Preview: High-scoring, one-sided and no England

Olympic soccer showcases stars of the future and provides a swansong for the likes of
Filippo Inzaghi while the women's games offers memorable routs and defensive gaffes.

How it works

Normal tournament soccer, without England. 16 teams, divided into four groups, compete in the men's tournament. The top two from each group progress into the knockout stages. Each squad is restricted to three players over the age of 23.

The women's competition has three groups of four teams, from which the top two and the two best third placed teams progress. There is no age restriction in the women's tournament.
Britain refuse to send a 'Great Britain' football team for fear it will affect their FIFA status for future international tournaments.

Who'll do well

African nations have enjoyed success in the men's tournament in recent years, with Nigeria and Cameroon winning in successive Olympics - 1996 and 2000. Argentina however took gold in Athens, winning every single game without conceding a goal. Lionel Messi and Real Madrid pair Fernando Gago and Federico Higuain will line up for Argentina this summer and will be strongly fancied to repeat their Athens success.

Reigning world champions Italy are expected to take a strong squad and Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi is rumoured to be one of Italy's overage players. Brazil will also be making a rare appearance at this summer's tournament and the world's entertainers should challenge for medals.

USA dominates women's football and has won at two of the last three Olympics, most recently in 2004. USA are joined in group G by Norway, who were victorious in Sydney in 2000 and will no doubt challenge this summer. Group F favourites Germany are also likely to figure in the business end of the tournament. The two time world champions (2003, 2007) are ranked second in the world behind the USA, but like their male counterparts, are tournament experts.

What makes it interesting

The age restriction in the men's tournament ensures that the Olympics act as a showcase for some of the world's most exciting prospects. A twenty year old Carlos Tevez took the tournament by storm in 2004, scoring eight times on his way to collecting the golden boot.

Women's football always promises goals, particularly in the early stages. Germany won 11-0 against Argentina in the 2007 World Cup and 8-0 against China in the 2004 Olympics. Though the opposition will invariably improve as the tournament progresses, there will no doubt be some comically bad defending and goalkeeping on show.