By David Gold at Wembley Stadium in London
April 24 – Britain’s women were paired with Brazil in the group stage of the London 2012 Olympic Games, while the men face an intriguing tussle with Copa America champions Uruguay after the draw here today.
Team GB’s opening men’s Group A game will be a historic clash against Senegal – winners of the final qualifier against Oman at the City of Coventry Stadium last night – in Manchester on July 26, where Britain’s best could face the likes of Newcastle stars Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse.
They will also take on the United Arab Emirates in this summer’s tournament, the first in which Britain will compete as a united home nations squad since it failed to qualify for the 1972 Munich Games.
There could also be an intriguing clash with Uruguay, who may feature Liverpool striker Luis Suárez – banned for eight matches this season after being found guilty of alleged racist abuse – as well as a host of talented young players, such as Diego Polenta and Nicolás Lodeiro.
The South American nation could also call upon Napoli striker Edinson Cavani (pictured), one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards who could cause Britain big headaches.
In Group B, Mexico, South Korea, and Switzerland will join Olympic debutants Gabon, surprise winners of the African qualifiers.
Brazil will begin their quest to win a first-ever Olympic gold medal against Egypt in Group C; however, the latter’s preparations have been dogged by the suspension of football in the African country after the much-publicised Port Said tragedy.
Belarus, making their debut in the tournament, and New Zealand complete the group.
In Group D, world and European champions Spain face Asian title holders Japan, Honduras and Morocco.
The first event of the Games, two days before the Opening Ceremony on July 27, will pit Team GB’s women against New Zealand in Cardiff.
Also drawn in Group E are Brazil, giving rise to the prospect of seeing five-times World Player of the Year Marta (pictured) and compatriot Cristiane, joint top scorer in Olympic women’s football history, adorning the Wembley turf for the final game of a group that also features Cameroon.
Reigning world champions Japan cross swords with Sweden, who they beat in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany last year, as well as Canada and South Africa, in Group F.
Group G pitches the United States, the triple and reigning Olympic champions, against France, North Korea and Colombia, whom they beat in the group stage of the World Cup.
Ahead of the draw London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: “We are a football-loving nation in all corners of our country, and that is why it is so wonderful to showcase our great cities and venues around the United Kingdom (UK), from Glasgow to Manchester and Coventry, and, of course, back here for the final at Wembley.
“Today is 94 days before the Opening Ceremony and today all the fans will know where they [the teams] will play and against whom.
“We have already sold a million tickets which is a great indication of the appetite [we hold] for the national game.
“This is a unique opportunity for the UK to watch the football tournament, which will play such an important role in the Games, and share in the spirit of the Olympics and say ‘I was there’.”
The draw at Wembley – venue for the finals of both competitions – was hosted by FIFA general secretary Jérôme Valcke along with former England striker turned television presenter Gary Lineker (pictured above, in centre).
Brazilian legend Ronaldo (pictured above, far left), the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup finals history and a bronze medallist at Atlanta 1996, was joined by former Blackburn players Kevin Gallacher and Robbie Savage (pictured above, second and third left), England’s women’s record goalscorer Kelly Smith and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (pictured above, third and second right).
Zhang Jilong, the acting head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA’s head of the Olympic tournament, said: “It is a real honour to be here at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
“It is incredible to think this will be the 23rd men’s Olympic tournament dating back to 1908, while for the women London 2012 will be the fifth competition.”
There are still 1.5 million tickets, which will go back on sale during May, remaining for the competitions.
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