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BRASILIA (SW): The Rio 2016 officially gets under way with the opening ceremony on Friday – but the action kicks off on two days before that with the football.
The first group games in the women's tournament take place on Wednesday with Sweden facing South Africa, the BBC reported. The men start on Thursday, when Iraq play Denmark
Even though it was not included in the Olympic program until 1996, the women's competition is often seen as more prestigious than the men's, which is age-restricted. Only three men in each squad can be over the age of 23.
For many Brazilians, the men's football will be the highlight of the Games, given they have yet to win the gold medal and the tournament is on home soil. Brazil are the firm favorites to take the men's title after the disappointment of losing in the final at London 2012. Defending champions Mexico could prove a difficult opponent again, while Germany also have a strong team.
In the women's event, the USA will be the team to beat after winning gold in 2012 and also coming out on top at the World Cup last year. The European trio of France, Germany and Sweden will also be strong.
ENDS
