BEIJING, Aug 4 - Brazil and World Player of the Year Marta have an early chance to avenge last year's World Cup final defeat by Germany when the sides meet on the opening day of the women's soccer tournament on Wednesday.
Brazilian women's soccer team practices during a the pre-games training session in Shenyang, the co-host city of Beijing Olympic Games, August 3, 2008. [Xinhua] |
The United States, gold medallists in Athens four years ago, also have a tough start with a match against Norway two days before the official opening ceremony of the Games.
Germany beat Brazil 2-0 in last year's World Cup final, also held in China, when Marta missed a penalty and the South Americans fluffed a series of chances.
The two sides have been drawn together in Group F, which also features South Korea and Nigeria, and face each other in Shenyang.
Brazil were also beaten finalists in the 2004 Olympic final and Marta believes they can go one better this time.
"The team is certainly stronger now and better prepared psychologically to play in a final," she told Reuters, adding that she would willingly exchange her Player of the Year Award for Olympic gold.
"I attach more value to something I have won in a group than an individual award," she said.
The United States go into the tournament without striker Abby Wambach, who suffered a broken leg during a friendly against Brazil last month.
Wambach has scored 99 goals in 127 games, including the winner in the Olympic final against Brazil four years ago.
But the U.S., coached by former Sweden international Pia Sundhage, are still confident of defending their title.
"The Olympics is a big deal in America, in many ways a bigger deal than the World Cup, and the players are in good spirits and ready to go," said Sundhage.
The U.S. meet Norway in Group G in the second part of a double bill in Qinhuangdao, which begins with Japan meeting New Zealand in the same group.
Hosts China face Sweden in Tianjin in Group E and, in addition to a recent loss of form, could be hampered by an injury crisis which has deprived them of key players Ma Xiaoxu and Qu Feifei.