In the Olympics, soccer is set up similarly to the World Cup, where group play determines quarterfinal opponents. In international tournaments, there are usually several down days between games, at least two days of rest. After Wednesday's opener, group play continues on Saturday. So, the schedule is built to allow rest, but soccer will run the length of the Games, wit hthe Bronze and Gold medal contests on the women's side happening August 9.
You may remember that in Beijing, the U.S. Women beat Brazil to win Gold. Carli Lloyd, at the time 26, took a pass from a teammate and buried a 19-yard chance to put the U.S. ahead of "the best team in the world" for good. It would be truly amazing if the U.S. Women could repeat their Gold medal performance in London.
Lloyd is a midfielder who scored twice in Beijing. A former Rutgers student, she plays now for the Atlanta Beat.
Their group includes France, Columbia, and the DPR (Democratic people's Republic) of Korea, or, more commonly, North Korea. This is not an easy group to get out of, only the top two teams in group play will advance, so a win against France is almost crucial, given that Columbia might be considered one of the favorites to win Gold.
Nothing's easy. The women have been playing well, defeating Canada 2-1 in their "send-off" game two weeks back in Utah, and beat Japan before that match. But Canada and Japan are not Columbia and Brazil. We'll be watching the women closely Wednesday, and throughout the competition. Wednesday's game will be played in Glasgow. Coubertin's Rings will follow several teams and individuals, not all American, and trying to find any reason why one athelete or sport is followed here is pointless. At one time or another, we latched on, for one of many reasons, and hopefully, we'll be able to tell an interesting story. This one is for Jen.
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