Tokyo Olympics 2020: Three countries who are favorites to win gold in men’s football


Tokyo Olympics 2020: Three countries who are favorites to win gold in men’s football

Brazilian player

The Olympic Games (Olympics) are the leading international sporting events featuring summer and winter sports competitions. Several athletes from around the globe participate in a wide array of sporting competitions. They are considered the world’s most renowned and prestigious sports competition, with more than 200 nations participating.

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The competitions are usually held once every four years, distributed between the Summer and Winter Olympics, held every two years in the four-year period.

Football at the Summer Olympics was introduced in the year 1900. They’ve been included every Summer Olympic Games as a men’s competition sport, except in 1896 and 1932. To avoid any mixup with players participating in the FIFA World Cup, FIFA has strictly prohibited the participation of elite players in the tournament in various ways.

Only three permitted players above the age of 23 can compete in the event. The remaining men’s squad can only comprise players under the age of 23.

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The Olympics has seen the rise of many big players like Messi & Neymar among, many others. The most number of titles for the competition lay in the hands of Hungary and Great Britain. The Brazilian side looked to defend their title from their glorious win in the penalty shootout at Rio Olympics 2016.

With the 2020 Olympics getting underway, the battle will be immense with plenty at stake. Let’s look at the top three teams who have a dominant shot at that Olympic Gold.

3. Spain

Spain Football Team for Olympics

Spain has been exceptional at the Olympics. With their first appearance being back in 1992, they served the purpose in a mind-blowing manner. They have crowned Champions in Barcelona while a disappointing loss at Sydney 2000 Finals handed them a Silver.

Their biggest win came against Libya with a 5-0 margin. As a side, they’ve done a remarkable job altogether whenever the opportunity has struck. With the likes of Eric Garcia, Unai Simon, Pau Torres, Pedri and Marco Asensio, they make a strong case for themselves.

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A team filled with immense talent certainly makes them one of the top contenders for the Olympic Gold.

2. Germany

Germany Football Team for Tokyo Olympics 2020

Germany is one of the biggest football nations in the history of the sport. They’ve had some of the most memorable achievements, including the winning goal in the extra time by Mario Gotze at the World Cup Final.

Germany first appeared in 1912 in the sport and created a huge impression at the competition after beating the Russian empire by a 16-0 margin. They shattered many records at the competition. They were closest to the Olympic Gold at Rio 2016 when Brazil snatched a sneaky 5-4 Penalty Shootout.

With a squad oozing out talent in the form of young talented footballers, they too make a strong case as the runner’s up of the last edition to bag the Gold medal.

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1. Brazil

Brazil Football Team

Another top contender is Brazil, who are the current defending champions of the competition. They did an exceptional job beating Germany in the Finals of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Their action-packed squad consists of the likes of Barcelona legend Dani Alves, who is one of the three over-age players included. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Lyon star Bruno Guimaraes will also ply their trade for the Brazilain side.

Brazil are strong favourites to defend their Olympics title. They enter the 2020 edition of the Tokyo Olympics are the strongest team and will look to clinch the gold medal. The Golden Squad will not want to settle for anything else apart from gold.

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