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They may not have the star-studded line-up of gold medal favourites and group rivals Argentina, but Australia are determined not to be just also-rans in next month’s Olympic soccer tournament.
Dutch agree to Socceroos friendly
A day after Argentina named Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano and over-age midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme in their squad, Olyroos defender Jade North declared Australia could win a medal.
“The last Olympics, I thought we were happy to be there, whereas this time we can probably go and win a medal,” said North, a member of the Olyroos team which finished seventh in Athens in 2004.
North, who is likely to captain the side, Sheffield United midfielder David Carney and striker Archie Thompson are the over-age players in coach Graham Arnold’s 18-man squad.
While Messi’s inclusion has upset his club, the enthusiasm of the 21-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to and praise from Maradona, indicates the high regard he has for the Games, a view shared by many of his fellow South Americans.
“I am going to the Olympic Games whatever may happen,” Messi told CNN recently.
Asked how he intended to cope with the Argentine squad, Arnold joked: “Get Lionel Messi in the tunnel before the game.”
Australia and defending champions Argentina are familiar foes.
The Argentines beat the Olyroos 1-0 in the group stage four years ago en route to the title in Athens.
When they meet at Shanghai Stadium in their second group fixture on August 10, Argentina coach Sergio Batista also hopes to call on Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero, Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso and Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.
Further highlighting how seriously South American teams take the Olympic competition – arguably in contrast to some of their European counterparts – Barcelona striker Ronaldinho has indicated his desire to play for medal contenders Brazil.
Ronaldinho says he has been working on his fitness and has fully recovered from the thigh injury that has kept him out of action since March.
“I really want to take part in the Olympic Games,” he said.
Brazil should make light work of Group C, but will do well to treat a China side boosted by their home crowd with caution.
While Australia have also been drawn against Serbia and Ivory Coast in Group A, Group B favourites and 1996 Olympic champions Nigeria area also expected to be in the medals mix.
Triple bronze medallists the Netherlands, who won back-to-back UEFA under-21 championships in 2006 and 2007, could also feature on the podium, possibly with Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel playing a part.
Nigeria and the Netherlands face off in the opening round of their group, which also features the USA and Japan.
Everton defender Joseph Yobo will miss the chance to play as an over-age player in Nigeria’s campaign after his name was mistakenly left off the national team’s preliminary squad list.
But club team-mate and striker Victor Anichebe is expected to play and England-based defender Danny Shittu has also expressed his desire to represent his country.
Other sides boasting big names include the USA with Ghana-born teenager Freddy Adu and 2000 gold medallists Cameroon, who have exciting 20-year-old Arsenal talent Alex Song.
Cameroon could pose a threat to Group D frontrunners Italy.
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