With the successful conclusion of the European Championships and the America's Cup, the attention of soccer fans around the world has quickly turned to the upcoming soccer extravaganza that will take place at the Paris Olympics. An article published by Xinhua News Agency on July 18th analyzed the highlights and challenges of this year's Olympic soccer tournament, noting in particular the failure of Chinese men's and women's soccer teams to participate, and calling for a proper understanding of the gap between world soccer and the rest of the world.
Men's Soccer: Rising Stars, Fierce Competition
Although the Olympic men's soccer tournament is often regarded as "chicken ribs" due to the age limit (under 23 years old, only three over-age players per team), it has never disappointed in the cultivation of new stars and the creation of classic moments, and the tacit understanding between Lionel Messi and Antonio Di Maria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics is still being talked about by fans today. Now, "00" players have gradually become the protagonist, Argentina as the favorite to win the championship, is ready to go, want to equal the "Triple Crown" record in Paris, and realize the World Cup, Copa America, the Olympic Games, "Grand Slam! ".
South American teams have long dominated the men's Olympic soccer scene, with Argentina and Brazil in a particularly tight battle for the gold medal. However, the absence of Brazil provides more opportunities for other teams, such as Nigeria, Cameroon and other African teams, as well as France, Spain and other European powerhouses are eyeing the gold medal. Especially noteworthy is that France, as the host, will take advantage of the home field, trying to break the embarrassing record of European teams failed to win the Olympic Games for nearly 30 years.
Women's Soccer: The World's Highest Level of Competitiveness
Compared to men's soccer, the women's game is much more star-studded. With no age limit, the Olympic women's game is the most competitive women's game in the world. Spain, the new Women's World Cup champions, traveled to Paris with Ballon d'Or winner Bon Mattei and a host of other famous players, aiming for the Olympic gold medal and the double crown. However, they will face tough competition from Brazil, Japan and Nigeria in Group C. Every game will be a tough battle.
Although the U.S. women's soccer team suffered Waterloo in last year's World Cup, their dominance in the Olympic Games is still not to be underestimated. Facing Zambia, Germany, Australia and other opponents, the U.S. women's soccer team will rely on a more youthful lineup to seek a revival. Hosts France are also eager to make a breakthrough at home, with their Group A opponents including Colombia, Canada and New Zealand, and every win will boost their confidence.
Reflections and Prospects of Chinese Football
The absence of Chinese men's and women's soccer has undoubtedly sounded an alarm for the Chinese soccer world. In the face of the rapid development of world soccer, Chinese soccer needs to reflect deeply on its own problems and actively find a path to converge with the world. By focusing on the Paris Olympic Games, we can not only appreciate the elegance of the world's top players, but also clearly see the gap between Chinese soccer and the world level, so as to develop a more scientific and reasonable strategic planning in the future development.
