By David Gold
November 10 – The Team GB men’s football team will kick off their Olympic Games campaign at Old Trafford on July 26, 2012, the day before the opening ceremony of the London Games, then move on to play games in London and Cardiff.
Stuart Pearce’s men’s team will be playing their second group game on Sunday July 29 at Wembley before moving to Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium for their final clash, which could be crucial to determining whether they reach the second round, on Wednesday August 1.
Hope Powell’s women’s squad will play their first game on Wednesday July 25 in what will be the first event of the entire Olympic, at the Millennium Stadium.
They will stay in Cardiff for their second match, on Saturday July 28, before completing their group stage games at Wembley on Tuesday July 31.
Matches at the Games will be taking place across the UK in London, Coventry, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.
Some of the nations already qualified for the Olympics include the World and European champions, Spain, the Copa America champions, Uruguay, and Brazil.
London 2012 also announced that football tickets will go back on sale at 11am on November 29, with 1.5 million seats still available.
They can be purchased here or over the phone on 0844 847 2012.
It has also been confirmed that the draw for the tournament will take place at Wembley on April 24, 2012, almost a fortnight after the final qualifying game is held in Coventry’s Ricoh Arena between a country from Asia and Africa.
London 2012 director of sport, Debbie Jevans, commented: “The prospect of Team GB taking part in the Games has captured the imagination of the public and we are pleased to be able to confirm their group stage fixtures ahead of tickets going back on sale.
“With teams like Spain and Brazil already qualified and fantastic venues across the country, the Olympic Football Tournaments promise to be a great family day next summer.”
The Sport and Olympics Minister, Hugh Robertson, said: “I am really looking forward to watching Team GB’s men’s and women’s football teams compete in 2012, and there are no greater football venues anywhere than our host stadiums.
“There are still tickets left, so I encourage everyone to try and get one and support the team in 2012.”
“We are delighted that the group fixtures in both men’s and women’s football will allow fans from throughout the United Kingdom to experience the spirit and energy of the Olympic Games while showing their support for Team GB,” added the Team GB Chef de Mission, Andy Hunt.
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