London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 vs Belarus U23 Predictions
The Powerful Brazil meets Underdogs Belarus at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 29.
Brazil Preview
Brazil is labelled as the "all-time top Olympic performer'' despite never winning the competition. Brazil has never won an Olympic Football tournament, but they have finished runners up twice in 1984 and 1988, third twice in 1996 and 2008, and fourth once in 1976. Compared to most of the 16 teams participating in the 2012 games, that record is an impressive one. The Brazilian Team gained entry into the 2012 Olympic tournament by winning last year’s South American U20 Championship in Peru, where star striker Neymar scored an outstanding nine goals. Squad coach Mano Menezes, is keen to put the trophy in the cabinet to give the national team some momentum when they host the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the Olympic gold medal is the lone major soccer trophy that Brazil has never won, and so the pressure is high on the Brazilian National Team than any other nation to succeed in London, with rumors that Menezes could be fired if the outcome is anything other than the gold medal.
Belarus Preview
Belarus’ journey to the 2012 London games has been nothing short of miraculous. First, theyshocked the highly favored Italy in a two-legged playoff just to qualify for the 2011 UEFA Under-21 Championships, which served as Europe’s ticket to the 2012 Olympic tournament, then somehow they managed to sneak into the Games as third-place finishersregardless of losing three of their five matches in the tournament and being outscored 8-5. To the minds of many, and safe to say on paper as well, the squad won’t be going too far.
However, shock and upsets are the key factors on why the Belarusian team is in the tournament after all. This being said, an upset just might waiting around the corner.
Brazil U23 vs Belarus U23 Predictions: Brazil 3-1
To many of those who will be reading this, a 3-1 victory is an understatement. But regardless, Brazil, with Neymar, the most talented individual player in the Olympic field plus a strong team behind, will be going far in the 2012 London Olympics.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview:Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23 Predictions
Team GB squares off Against the UAE at London’s Wembley Stadium on the 29th of July.
Great Britain Preview
After producing a somewhat lacklustre performance during the Euro 2012 tournament, Team Great Britain has something to look forward to this time. Team GB appear to have a good chance of claiming a medal, especially as their group includes the unfavorable UAE and Senegal, who qualified for the tournament after beating Oman in a play-off. The two top teams of each group, Group A being Great Britain’s, will receive the ticket to the quarter-finals.
It’s key players include the ancient yet still ticking Ryan Giggs, who has also been chosen to captian the squad, compatriot Craig Bellamy, the firebrand forward, another old timer, and an array of younger, hungrier players such as Butland in goal, Cleverley and Ramsey in middle of the park and Sturridge in attack.
Of course, their qualifications in entering the Olympics was no sweat at all, Great Britain gained automatic entry for being the hosting nation, but if the squad holds off against the UAE and Senegal, they have a shot at winning a medal.
United Arab Emirates Preview
The UAE are one of the surprise qualifiers for the 2012 Olympic games, having topped a group consisting of Asian footballing heavyweights like Australia, Iraq and Uzbekistan in AFC’s Pre-Olympic Tournament. They are not considered one of the Asian powerhouses.
During the Olympics, the squad will be led by the legendary striker IsmaeilMatar, considered by many as best footballer the country has ever produced, along with two promising star players, Ahmed Khalil and Ahmed Ali. But the lack of experience for the majority of the team players, regardless of their recent triumphs in the Asian stage, might be their biggest obstacle to overcome.
Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23 Predictions: Draw 1-1
With the UAE’s recent victories that were considered major upsets by many and Team GB’s well weathered players, there’s really no telling who has the upper hand in this match-up
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea U23 vs Switzerland U23 Predictions
Switzerland will face South Korea in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Coventry Stadium on Sunday, July 29.
Switzerland Preview
Switzerland is an obvious underdog, only being able to qualify this year in the Olympics (from 1988 onwards, the year they started joining again). Their only meaningful achievement is almost forgotten – a Silver medal in 1924. In the current incarnation of the Swiss team, Switzerland lost a recent friendly match to newcomer team Senegal, 1-0.
Korea Preview
South Korea is one of the favorites of the group, being a consistent qualifier for the past Olympics, as well as being a consistent top placer in the Asian games. Based on the past friendlies as well, the Koreans were able to defeat the last three teams,
Switzerland U23 vs Korea U23 Predictions: Korea wins 2-1
South Korea being the favorite is the obvious winner. The Koreans also outmatched Senegal – the team who defeated Switzerland earlier. It might be a factor that the Swiss are hungry for improvement with their first qualification in ages, but facing a powerhouse isn’t a joke.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Senegal vs Uruguay Predictions
Senegal Preview
Senegal will be searching for a first ever Olympic Games appearance when they compete in the CAF Under-23 Championship in Morocco.
The West African side have yet to compete at the tournament but they are coming off a fourth-place finish at the recent All-Africa Games in Maputo which is their best placement on the continent.Oumar Wade (Lille, France), Abdoulaye Sané (Rennes, France) and Dieylani Fall (Auxerre, France) are all striker to be wary of, while Pape Maly Diamanka (Rayo Vallecano, Spain) looks a fine prospect as well. Defender Lamine Gassama (Lyon, France) is a full international already, while fellow defenders Saliou Ciss and Kara Thioune (both Tromso, Norway) have been making a name for themselves in Scandinavia as well.The only newcomer to the group ahead of the CAF Under-23 Championships is midfielder Ibrahima Khaliloulah Seck (Epinal, France).
Uruguay Preview
Uruguay came off of an impressive win against Panama earlier this week 2-0. Let’s face it Uruguay might not have the big names but, they sure pack a powerful offensive attack. Uruguay takes a back seat to no one . Led by super striker Edinson Cavani Recenty Cavani scored Napoli's 1000th away goal, with the club closing in on the heels of current top-of-the-table Milan. At the same time his pronouncement regarding the state of his nation's football retained its truth value when the Uruguay U-20s beat their Argentina counterparts with a footballing master class and secured a ticket to the London Olympics 2012. This is the first time in over 80 years that Uruguay will compete in Olympic football, having been the very first gold medalists in the discipline.
Sengal vs Uruguay Predictions: Uruguay 3-0 over Senegal
Senegal will have a tough time matching the speed of Uruguay also the defensive savvy Uruguay is very stingy on defense. I see Uruguay controlling the temp through possessions throughout this game.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Japan U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions
Japan will face Morocco in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group D branch at the St James Park, the home of Premiership club Newcastle United, on Sunday, July 29.
Japan Preview
Japan conquered their qualifying for this league with a loss to Syria as the only blemish on their copybook. A 2-0 win over Bahrain was the fixture that sure fired their advancement in a qualifying marathon that saw them score 17 goals in eight matches and concede six. Head coach Takashi Sekizuka took over the command structure in 2012.
Morocco Preview
Morocco has made it to this stage on six prior occasions but got past the group stage only once. They became part of Group D this time by reaching the finals of last year’s CAF African U23 Championship. However, in this championship, they lost to their rivals, Gabon. Team coach for the Moroccan team is Pim Verbeek from the Netherlands.
Japan U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions: Japan wins 2-0
Japan being the favorite is the obvious winner. The Japanese obviously has a better record, with the Syrian defeat as their only liability. Morocco may be a regular qualifier, though not much a passer beyond the group stage, but Japan is on a roll.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Mexico U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions
Mexico U23 will face Gabon U23 in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Coventry Stadium on Sunday, July 29.
Mexico Preview
Mexico has long been considered as one of the world’s most prideful soccer nations, but they have never won an Olympic medal – ever. Their best finish in history was barely catching fourth place in 1968.
Mexico, already a strong team, was supposed to be stronger. Star striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez was barred from playing by his club, Manchester United, while forward Carlos Vela and midfielder Jonathan dos Santos both declined invitations to play, earning the ire of the Mexican Football Federation. If goal-scoring proves to be a problem for Mexico, the absences of Hernandez and Vela will be proven as the main factor.
As group favorites in a relatively weak Olympic field, Mexico is in the best-ever position to capture that elusive medal in London.
Gabon Preview
Gabon won the African Olympic qualifying tournament, in a dramatic struggle of sorts, rallying from deficits against South Africa and the Ivory Coast in the group stage to stay alive, surprising Senegal in the semifinals with an extra time goal in the 119th minute and again rallying from a goal down in the final against Morocco to win the African crown.
Gabon will not be expected to advance in its Olympic debut, but it’s safe to say that the Gabonese will not be intimidated by early deficits against more favored teams.
Mexico U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions: Mexico U23 wins 2-1
Mexico is the obvious favorite, but Gabon has been proven as resilient prey. Mexico can win this as easy as it can get, though in the off-chance Gabon might surprise everyone. However, it’s just a surprise – probabilities aren’t based on unexpected outcomes.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Egypt U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions
Egypt U23 Preview
Egypt U-23 just came off of defeating Belgian side Lierse 2-1 in Monday in a friendly game in Belgium in preparation for the Olympics. Ghazl El-Mahalla forward Ahmed Magdy opened the scoring for Egypt in the 24 minutes of the game before Ahly’s striker, one of over-age player in the Egyptian team, doubled the seal for Egypt just seconds before the break. The Ahly striker and his teammates Mohamed Abou Treika and Ahmed Fathi who are also called by Coach Hany Ramzi as over-age players, appeared in a great form during the game. Former Ismaily fullback Ahmed Samir Farag scored the only goal for Lierse in the 58 minute of the game.
New Zealand U23 Preview
The “Oly Whites” had an impressive run during the qualifying campaign being side short of several key players but scoring a total of 15 goals in their four matches, although ten came in the group match against Tonga. The Kiwis won three of three matches by a single goal. The New Zealand team made their Olympic debut during the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening with a 1-1 draw against China denying the Kiwis victory thanks only to an equaliser two minutes from time, followed by a 5-0 capitulation against Brazil, but with the New Zealanders displaying trademark spirit to bounce back in their final match against Belgium, only to suffer a 1-0 defeat against the eventual semi-finalists.
Egypt U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions: 1-1 Draw
Both of these teams are evenly matched. I don’t see any of them dominate each other. I can see these 2 teams be very methodical and careful in how they play each other.Look for a evenly played match.
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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy Predictions
FC Dallas Preview
FC Dallas had Monday off to rest after playing three matches in eight days. They’ll get Wednesday off as well, but this time due to the MLS All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Hyndman will be in Philadelphia on Wednesday for a meeting of the MLS Technical Committee that he is a part of. Hyndman said the committee usually reviews notable or controversial plays, with members giving their opinion on whether fouls or cards should have been issued. Hyndman will fly back to Dallas in time for Thursday’s morning training session. Hyndman knows a strong LA Galaxy squad will take the field on Saturday (7 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Network), even if they don’t have all of their high-wattage stars. Landon Donovan is suspended for the match due to yellow card accumulation. “They’re a hard team to beat,” Hyndman said. “They are the team we’re aiming at right now to get that fifth [playoff] spot” But Hyndman isn’t worried about his squad. “It seems like when we play them we really do show up,” Hyndman said. FC Dallas tied LA 1-1 at the Home Depot Center on April 28, surrendering a late goal to the Galaxy.
Los Angeles Preview
David Junior Lopes answered Gareth Bale's superb header, and the LA Galaxy claimed a 1-1 draw with England's Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly Tuesday night at The Home Depot Center.
Bale's header gave Tottenham a 17th-minute lead, and Lopes, with his first goal since joining LA in April, netted the equalizer in the 28t
The Galaxy made seven substitutions at halftime; Tottenham just two, bringing on six more players during the second half. Among LA's changes: rookie goalkeeper Brian Rowe making his club debut, Mike Magee returning from a shin injury, rookies Rafael Garcia and Tommy Meyer moving onto the backline, and Jack McBean joining fellow teen Villarreal up front. With LA fielding a less experienced lineup in the second half, Tottenham dominated the proceedings, but were unable to regain the lead despite a good look for Defoe and penalty appeals from Bale, Sigurdsson and youngster Harry Kane. The game was the fourth friendly the Galaxy has played against English opposition, though they have yet to win one of those games
FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy Predictions: FC Dallas 2-1 Over LA
The clubs are separated by just three points and FC Dallas has two games in hand. The Galaxy are coming off a two-game Pacific road trip, concluded with a crash in a 3-0 loss at Portland at midweek. Dallas is on fire as of late and it won’t help LA with Donovan Landon being suspended for this game
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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Montreal Impact vs New York Red Bulls Predictions
Montreal Preview
The Impact look to bounce back from the thumping they took last week from the Dynamos. The Montreal Impact ended a series of 10 games in 36 days with a 3-0 loss (halftime 1-0) against the Houston Dynamo, Saturday, at BBVA Compass Stadium, in Houston. The Impact started the game with three changes to the starting lineup. Midfielders Justin Mapp and Patrice Bernier, as well as defender Jeb Brovsky, were not in the starting lineup. Brovsky, who played the last 13 games, did not play due to a thigh injury.
Quebec-born defender Karl W. Ouimette, developed by the club’s Academy, played in his first ever career MLS game, replacing defender Zarek Valentin, who left the game in the 23rd minute as a result of an injury to his left ankle.
New York Preview
The Red Bulls improved to 7-0-3 inside of Red Bull Arena this season with a 2-0 victory over the visiting Union, thanks to goals on each side of halftime from a reborn Kenny Cooper (above) and another shutout for goalkeeper Bill Gaudette and the New York defense.
The victory saw the Red Bulls move to 11-5-5 on the year and put them in first place in the Eastern Conference heading into Saturday night's action. It also ended a three-game winning streak for the Union (6-10-2) and gave them their second loss to New York this year.
Montreal Impact vs New York Red Bulls Predictions: Red Bulls 3-0 Over Impact
Face it The New York Red Bulls are one of the most difficult teams in MLS to beat at home. That said, The Red Bulls will make a statement in this game at the expense of the Impact. New York runs a high powered attack while the Impact is full of injuries. Red Bulls will jump out and control most of this match.
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Hi Zander,
Good MLS previews - Not long now till the new English season. What football leagues do you generally cover?Leave a comment:
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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Real Salt Lake Vs Vancouver White Caps Predictions
Real Salt Lake Preview
Led by a last minute replacement midfielder Yordany Álvarez looked possessed out there. Álvarez’s full contributions may not show up on the stat sheet, where he had two shots, two fouls committed and a foul suffered. But they are there for the most important stat: the 2-0 score line.
“I feel more confident, more confident with the ball, and I thought I played good,” Álvarez said. “I think I played my best game [with RSL].” With Beckerman eligible to play this Friday against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Álvarez will almost certainly return to the bench. But it is comforting for the team to know the Cuban is ready and able to fill in when called upon.
“I thought he was very solid, won some tackles for us,” said midfielder Will Johnson. “It’s great when he can step in for Kyle to do a great job like that. … He stepped in and made a difference.” RSL was sound as usual on the defensive side as well. Stopping the Colorado offense, Alvarez was also significantly better at linking the defense with the offense.
Vancouver Preview
The 3rd place Whitecaps come into this match looking to make some noise and a push into Rio Tinto Stadium. Whitecaps (9-6-7) snapped a four-match winless streak, as it defeated San Jose for the second time in three meetings this season. The Whitecaps defeated the Earthquakes, 2-1, at BC Place on May 5. San Jose won at home on April 7, 3-1. Newly acquisition Dane Richards scored his first goal for Vancouver in the 20th minute and Alan Gordon equalized before halftime for San Jose, but Robson made no mistake from the spot for his second goal in as many games.
Real Salt Lake Vs Vancouver White Caps Predictions: RSL 2-1 Over Vancouver
This will be a great match to watch as the number 2 and 3 teams clash. But, RSL at home will be tough to beat. Look for RSL’s Alavarez to put on another show as he goes head up with Whitecaps Dane Richards . In the end I see RSL controlling this match .It will be low scoring but great tempo.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Spain U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions
Spain U23 Preview
Spain U23 manager Luis Milla, has named his preliminary twenty-two player squad that he will take with him to London for the Olympic Games. The squad will be narrowed down to eighteen players before the tournament so four of the players below will come off the list. Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona are the two clubs with the most players at the tournament with four each. The strong group of youngsters are joined by recent European Champions Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona) and Juan Mata (Chelsea FC). Javi Martinez and Juan Mata have dominated the Spanish midfield together before, having won the U21 European Championship last summer, and they will look to lead their country to yet another honor in international football. Watch this space for profiles of all of the squad members between now and the start of the Olympic Games.
Japan U23 Preview
Japan qualified in 2012 Olympic Asian Qualifying Final Round. Although, win or draw will be enough for the Japanese last match, it took 55 minutes to score the first goal by midfielder Ogihara followed by Kiyotake. Korea, UAE and Japan qualified and Oman, Uzbekistan, and Syria go to play off to win the last 0.5 Asian place. Japan comes in 7-0 dominating the Asian Games and looks to make a statement in the opener.
Spain U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Spain 3-1 over Japan
Though Japan’s record in the Asian games is impressive it’s not quite the level of competition of Spain. Spain’s aggressive attack on offensive will keep Japan on their heels most of the game. Bottom line, Spain is on a different level than Japan thus Spain takes this game with ease.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Gabon U23 Vs Switzerland U23 Predictions
Gabon U23 Preview
The national Under-23 side has won through to the CAF Under-23 Championship and are close to a first-ever visit to the Olympic Games,
The side did have a disappointment earlier this year when they failed to qualify for the All Africa Games, defeated by DR Congo in the preliminaries.
The Young Panthers will be led by Gabon FA technical director Claude-Albert Mbourounot, with senior national team coach Gernot Rohr no doubt casting an eye over the side with a view to possibly drafting a few in for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
“If you have to qualify for the Olympic Games, you must be ready to beat the best and I think we have a fair chance with our opponents. Gabon can make it to London 2012 with the quality of players they have,” Rohr said. Gabon U23 is young hungry and strong with a great balance offensive a attack with sound defense.
Switzerland U23 Preview
Swiss team comes into this match with a recent 1-0 loss to Senegal U23. Switzerland comes in with a very inexperienced young team. They have not qualified as a team since 1924. There is not much to be said about Switzerland exact their lack of experience.
Gabon U23 Vs Switzerland U23 Predictions: 1-1 Draw
Both of these teams come in with lack of experience. I see this being a match where both teams play very safe and not try to do too much. This is anyone’s game I see a draw
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: United Arab Emirates U23 vs Uruguay U23 Predictions
United Arab Emirates squares off against Uruguay at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 27.
United Arab Emirates U23 Preview
The boys from the UAE started offstrong in the international field despite a first game draw against Hong Kong and the People’s Democratic Republic of Koreaplus a 1-0 loss to Japan during the Asian Games. So the team’s record to date in the Asian games is at five wins, 1 loss and 1 draw. UAE turned out consistent performances throughout, including victories over AFC heavyweights Australia and Uzbekistan.UAE qualified for London 2012 after a gruelling campaign that began on 8 March 2011 and finished on 14 March this year. Over this period they played a total of ten games, winning seven and drawing three.
However, this is the very first Olympic tournament which the Middle Eastern team has qualified in since being established in the 1971. The Olympics has a different curriculum at hand and this factor might prove to be a hardship for the UAE
Uruguay U23 Preview
The Uruguay Olympic Football team also known as Uruguay Under 23 has a pretty impressive Olympic record. The Men’s Olympic Football Tournament holds special significance for Uruguayans. Even before the advent of the FIFA World Cup™, the country won consecutive gold medals at the two tournaments it played in. With leading scorer was Adrian Luna with three goals, followed by Pablo Capellini and Diego Polenta with two apiece during the continental championships in Peru, the Uruguayan team seems ready for the real deal.
But it has actually been 84 years that passed since Uruguay last appeared in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, at Amsterdam 1928, when they won their second gold medal in their second successive appearance. The national team coach Oscar Tabarez, who will be taking charge of the side in London, is anxious to dampen any euphoria
United Arab Emirates U23 vs Uruguay U23 Predictions: Uruguay 3-1
Uruguay, without a doubt, packs a stronger attack. The UAE team will most probably be on the defensive throughout the game if they do not assert control at the onset.
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London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Great Britain U23 vs Senegal U23 Predictions
Team GB squares off against Senegal Olympic Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 27 for the Group A Olympic Preliminaries.
Great Brittain U23 Preview
The Great Britain and Northern Ireland Olympic football team entered the Olympic tournament automatically by way of being the host country. Nevertheless, team GB is packing a power punch in the form of players like Gareth Bale, Fraizer Campbell, Jack Rodwell, Marc Albrighton, and Jordan Rhodes.
However, it’s been a good 52 years since Great Britain entered an Olympic tournament. Another factor that can prove detrimental to Great Britain was their previous performance during last year’s UEFA U-21 Championship where they failed to win a game. But even though England was lacklustre at the UEFA U-21 Championships of 2011, Great Britaincan call on some of the stars from those games.
Senegal U23 Preview
Senegal Olympic will enter the tournament’s football championship for the first time since it’s formation. During the qualifying stint of the African U-23 Championships, Senegal lost their opening to Algeria, but then recovered to be considered one of the tournament favourites by defeating Nigeria 2-1 and Morocco 1-0. But after gaining momentum from topping the table ahead of the Moroccan hosts, Senegalwere surprised by Gabon in the semi-final 1-0 and lost the play-off for third place against Egypt 2-0.
Consistently has been lacking on the part of the Senegalese team and they need to make a change in their formation in order to beat Great Britain as well as the other teams during the Olympic games. Their line-up has proven competent but their game play needs some improvising.
Great Britain U23 vs Senegal Predictions: Great Britain 2-1
Great Britain has a much stronger line up than Senegal and their formations and gameplays have proven more consistent and reliable. One thing the Senegalese can do is to amp up their power of attack in order to overwhelm the British at the onset of the match but that is very lest likely to happen.
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