By Peter Auf der Heyde Aug 5, 2008, 3:44 GMT
Beijing - The Olympic women's football tournament starts on Wednesday with a bang when Brazil try to avenge a World Cup final defeat against Germany.
The opening Group B game in Shenyang comes two days ahead of the official opening ceremony of the Beijing Games. The football tournament traditionally starts a few days earlier to allow players time to rest in-between games.
Last year, the Germans beat the South Americans 2-0 in the World Cup final in Shanghai. Brazil was also beaten, 2-1 by the US, in the Olympic gold medal match in Athens 2004.
Brazilian team manager Paulo Dutra said that his players were looking forward to the game against the world champions.
'The players are positive of being able to revenge the defeat of last year,' he said.
He admitted that it would not be easy for the Brazilians as it was a difficult group: 'We need to work hard, but we know how to win.'
German coach Silvia Neid said she was taking nothing for granted.
'Of course we won the final, but that was the last game and this is the start. I think both teams are balanced,' she said.
'It will depend on the performances of the day. Of course, we would like to play like we did in the World Cup finals in 2007, without any goals being conceded, but it is something you do once in a lifetime.'
The other two teams in the Group, Nigeria and North Korea clash in the later game in the same stadium.
Two-time Olympic gold medallists US, for whom goalkeeper Briana Scurry will be participating in her fourth Olympic Games, face the only team that has ever beaten them at the Olympics, Norway, in a Group C game in Qinhuangdao.
America's Swedish coach Pia Sundhage said that she is familiar with the Norwegian style of play.
'We played them a couple of weeks ago. They are a good team and well organized. We have to deal with their counter-attacks. Their set-pieces are also quite good,' she said.
For US captain Christie Rampone, the fact that the US has won two gold medals and a silver at the Olympics is not a problem.
'I do not think there is any added pressure. We have prepared for seven months.
'We are looking forward to playing against Norway. We respect Norway's style, but the most important thing for us is to play our own game in our style and play as a team because everyone will need to step up to beat Norway,' she said.
New Zealand face Japan in the earlier Group C game in Qinhuangdao.
The hosts China, who won the silver medal in Atlanta 12 years ago, will be hoping to make home support count in their favour as they take on Sweden in a Group A game in Tianjin.
Sundhage, who was assistant Chinese coach during the World Cup last year, knows that the Chinese side will be strong. 'Whoever plays against China will face a tactical team. The crowd will be the 12th Chinese player.'
The first game in Tianjin sees underdogs Canada face Argentina.
The three group winners and the runners up, as well as the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals. The final is on August 21.
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