CARDIFF: Team GB need a win or a draw against Uruguay in the roof-opened Millennium Stadium here in Cardiff this evening to progress to the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s football tournament – and emulate the women’s team.
Defeat would send Uruguay through instead along with, almost certainly, Senegal who are likely to see off the United Arab Emirates in the the other Group A game.
This is the first time Britain have played Olympic football since 1971 and the first time they have been in the finals since 1960 – but coach Stuart Pearce i hoping, against hope, that the controversial creation will be maintained for future Games.
He said: “I honestly don’t believe it will happen again but from my experience over this short time and from speaking with the players, I think they would love to have the opportunity to do this every four years. It is a fantastic tournament.
“The political will, if it comes from anywhere, will come from the players. If there was any way of it happening, the best thing to do would be to canvas myself and the 18 players that have taken part in it and ask them if they feel it has been valuable and if it has improved them as footballers, and take your answer from there.”
Team GB set off with a 1-1 draw against Senegal at Old Trafford before a 3-1 defeat of the United Arab Emirates at Wembley. Senegal and Team GB each have four points, Uruguay three and the UAE none. Brazil are clear favourites to win gold, especially after the shock elimination of Spain.
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