UEFA Champions League 2012 Previews and Predictions

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The first and second qualifying round draws were made in Nyon last Monday, June 25.

Among the clubs who were able to learn their initial opponents were FC Basel 1893, who were able to reach the knockout stage last season.

The Swiss club, who lost against FC Bayern Munchen in the round of 16 last February, will be starting this season facing the Estonian FC Flora Tallinn, scheduled in the second qualifying round.

Before that, six teams are to face each other on first qualifying round ties on the 3rd and 10th of July, including a tie between Valletta FC and FC Lusitans with the winners due to meet FK Partizan.

FC Dynamo Kyiv, Panathinaikos FC and RSC Anderlecht will be showing up in the third qualifying round.

UEFA Champions League 2012 Preview: Linfield FC vs B36 Torshavn Predictions

Linfield and Torshavn will meet head to head on the 3 July 2012. Catch real time updates on your favorite UEFA Champions League 2012 Match

Linfield FC Preview

Belfast, North Ireland based club Linfield won their 51st Irish Premiership title by a massive 14-point margin last season with 85 points followed by Portadown at 71.Linfield FC dominated again as they took the league title by beating the Crusaders FC in the Irish Cup final to complete a sixth double in seven years.

On the 3rd of July they will face B36 Torshavn from the Faroe Island during the first leg of the Champions League.When compared to the opposing team, Linfield has a much richer history with a considerable amount of achievements. Mostly, however, the championsips were domestic and restricted within the Irish League. Nevertheless, the North Ireland outfit has a strong attack formation thus overwhelming the opposing teams.

B36 Torshavn Preview

Founded in 1936 in the Faroe Island and based in its capital with the same name, B36 Torshavn has several achievements but pale in comparison against Linfield. Their recent triumphs include winning the Faroe Islands Premier League in 2011, The Antlantic Cup in 2006, and the Faroe Island Super Cup in 2006.

B36 were drawn against AvenirBeggenin the Champions League Qualifying round in 1992. They went close but didn't make it through to the first round after a 1-0 loss and a 1-1 at home in the second leg. During the 2005-2006 Champions, the team reached the second round after defeating BV Vestmannaeyar of Iceland 3-2 on aggregate. In the second round they narrowly lost to Danish Superliga-club FC Midtjylland 1-2 in the away leg and drew 2-2 at home. The team reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA ChampionsLeague in 2006-2007season after defeating Birkirkara FC of Malta5-2 on aggregate and were eliminated in second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, losing both matches to Fenerbahe 4-0 and 5-0.

Linfield FC vs B36 Torshavn Predictions: F91 Dudelange 2-0

Both teams demonstrate talent and power in their own right. It is difficult to predict the winner of the first leg for the records show an equality in strength. We will just have to wait and see on 3 July 2012.

Original Source Linfield FC vs B36 Torshavn Previews and Predictions
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Belarus U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions

The “Oly-Whites” square off against Belarus Olympic at Coventry’s City of Coventry Stadium on July 27 as part of the Group C leg of the tournament. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Belarus U23 Preview

Belarus ahs yet to appear in a final leg of a major tournament since it’s team formation in 1991 after the country gained it’s independence from the now defunct Soviet Union. During the qualifications at the group stage of the UEFA European U-21 Championship 2011, Belarus squeezed into the semi-finals thanks to a victory over Iceland, and a better goal difference in the head-to-head record between the three teams tied on points for second place. This shows that the Eastern European team has every reason to look into the tournament with optimism since its current players like EgorFilipenko and Andrei Voronkov belong to a new generation.

New Zealand U23 Preview

The “Oly Whites” had an impressive run during the qualifying campaign being side short of several key players but scoring a total of 15 goals in their four matches, although ten came in the group match against Tonga. The Kiwis won three of three matches by a single goal. The New Zealand team made their Olympic debut during the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening with a 1-1 draw against China denying the Kiwis victory thanks only to an equaliser two minutes from time, followed by a 5-0 capitulation against Brazil, but with the New Zealanders displaying trademark spirit to bounce back in their final match against Belgium, only to suffer a 1-0 defeat against the eventual semi-finalists.

The recent matches played however showed a lacking in attacking and scoring power and this can fall into the Kiwis’ disadvantage against teams like Belarus or Uruguay.

Belarus U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions: Belarus 2-1

With a line up of strong key players and a much more impressive goal record, the Eastern European team look set to win this match up against the Kiwis.

Original Source Belarus U23 vs New Zealand U23
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Brazil U23 vs Egypt U23 Predictions

Brazil will face Egypt in the first game of the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group C branch at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Wednesday, July 26. Group C is comprised of Brazil, along with Egypt, New Zealand and Belarus. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Brazil Preview

Brazil is the favorites to win Group C, and is most likely to eventually overcome any resistance from the Egyptians. Looking at Brazil, the squad is very much a powerhouse with Alexander Pato, Neymar, and Hulk in the position of striker and in midfield yet again that the contents of the Ganso, Sandro.

Brazil is always one of the world's toughest sides to eliminate, and their current elite roster is far unlikely to disappoint any fan or foe.

Egypt Preview

Egypt is expected to give a fierce resistance against Brazil in this opening match. Egypt is struggling to qualify for the quarterfinals, and everyone knows how desperation can push anyone.

Egypt's absence from Olympic action makes them a very definite underdog in this contest. They have nothing to lose, though, and that can be very dangerous to the favorite.

Brazil U23 vs Egypt U23 Predictions: Brazil U23 wins 2-0

I don't expect Brazil to lose, but Egypt will hang around longer than expected, and will fight with what’s left of them. Any chance for an upset is very slim.

Original Source Brazil U23 vs Egypt U23
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Gabon U23 Vs Switzerland U23 Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Gabon U23 Preview

The national Under-23 side has won through to the CAF Under-23 Championship and are close to a first-ever visit to the Olympic Games,

The side did have a disappointment earlier this year when they failed to qualify for the All Africa Games, defeated by DR Congo in the preliminaries.

The Young Panthers will be led by Gabon FA technical director Claude-Albert Mbourounot, with senior national team coach Gernot Rohr no doubt casting an eye over the side with a view to possibly drafting a few in for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

“If you have to qualify for the Olympic Games, you must be ready to beat the best and I think we have a fair chance with our opponents. Gabon can make it to London 2012 with the quality of players they have,” Rohr said. Gabon U23 is young hungry and strong with a great balance offensive a attack with sound defense.

Switzerland U23 Preview

Swiss team comes into this match with a recent 1-0 loss to Senegal U23. Switzerland comes in with a very inexperienced young team. They have not qualified as a team since 1924. There is not much to be said about Switzerland exact their lack of experience.

Gabon U23 Vs Switzerland U23 Predictions: 1-1 Draw

Both of these teams come in with lack of experience. I see this being a match where both teams play very safe and not try to do too much. This is anyone’s game I see a draw

Original Source Gabon U23 Vs Switzerland U23
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Spain U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Spain U23 Preview

Spain U23 manager Luis Milla, has named his preliminary twenty-two player squad that he will take with him to London for the Olympic Games. The squad will be narrowed down to eighteen players before the tournament so four of the players below will come off the list. Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona are the two clubs with the most players at the tournament with four each. The strong group of youngsters are joined by recent European Champions Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona) and Juan Mata (Chelsea FC). Javi Martinez and Juan Mata have dominated the Spanish midfield together before, having won the U21 European Championship last summer, and they will look to lead their country to yet another honor in international football. Watch this space for profiles of all of the squad members between now and the start of the Olympic Games.

Japan U23 Preview

Japan qualified in 2012 Olympic Asian Qualifying Final Round. Although, win or draw will be enough for the Japanese last match, it took 55 minutes to score the first goal by midfielder Ogihara followed by Kiyotake. Korea, UAE and Japan qualified and Oman, Uzbekistan, and Syria go to play off to win the last 0.5 Asian place. Japan comes in 7-0 dominating the Asian Games and looks to make a statement in the opener.

Spain U23 vs Japan U23 Predictions: Spain 3-1 over Japan

Though Japan’s record in the Asian games is impressive it’s not quite the level of competition of Spain. Spain’s aggressive attack on offensive will keep Japan on their heels most of the game. Bottom line, Spain is on a different level than Japan thus Spain takes this game with ease.

Original Source Spain U23 vs Japan U23
 
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Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Toronto FC vs Houston Dynamo Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite Major League Soccer 2012 Match.

Toronto FC Preview

Last week newly acquired Quincy Amarikwa didn’t waste any time ingratiating himself to his new club’s fanbase. Well, that’s not entirely correct. To be more precise, Amarikwa (above left) waited seven hours, give or take a half hour or so, to open his Toronto FC account and earn the approval of Reds fans. Toronto FC came up with 1-1 draw against Liverpool. Amarikwa managed to break through eight minutes later, however, giving the home side an unlikely lead. After Sergio Camargo forced Gulacsi into a sprawling save, the former Colorado Rapids striker cleaned up the rebound, slamming the ball into the back of the net then finding himself at the bottom of a TFC dog pile. Just over ten mnutes later, however, Cole tore through TFC’s midfield with a trademark run before playing it to Raheem Sterling on the left flank. Sterling beat two Toronto defenders and rolled a shot under the onrushing Homegrown product Quillan Roberts that Morgan smashed into an empty net to make it 1-1.

Houston Preview

Macoumba Kandji struck twice and Bobby Boswell added a third as the Houston Dynamo ran away with a 3-0 win over visiting Montreal Impact on Saturday night to rise to third place in the Eastern Conference. After a testy 4-2 loss to the Impact nearly a month ago, Houston returned the favor and handed the expansion team their 10th loss on the road while extending their unbeaten streak at home to 18, which dates back to June 2011.

Toronto FC vs Houston Dynamo Predictions: Houston 2-1 over Toronto

Houston has extended their undefeated streak to six and comes into BMO Field next to extend it and yes they will .Houston’s speed will be a big problem for Toronto. Though Toronto has a streak of their own 4 games but, it will end Saturday night

Original Source Toronto FC vs Houston Dynamo
 
Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Real Salt Lake Vs Vancouver White Caps Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite Major League Soccer 2012 Match.

Real Salt Lake Preview

Led by a last minute replacement midfielder Yordany lvarez looked possessed out there. lvarez’s full contributions may not show up on the stat sheet, where he had two shots, two fouls committed and a foul suffered. But they are there for the most important stat: the 2-0 score line.

“I feel more confident, more confident with the ball, and I thought I played good,” lvarez said. “I think I played my best game [with RSL].” With Beckerman eligible to play this Friday against the Vancouver Whitecaps, lvarez will almost certainly return to the bench. But it is comforting for the team to know the Cuban is ready and able to fill in when called upon.

“I thought he was very solid, won some tackles for us,” said midfielder Will Johnson. “It’s great when he can step in for Kyle to do a great job like that. … He stepped in and made a difference.” RSL was sound as usual on the defensive side as well. Stopping the Colorado offense, Alvarez was also significantly better at linking the defense with the offense.

Vancouver Preview

The 3rd place Whitecaps come into this match looking to make some noise and a push into Rio Tinto Stadium. Whitecaps (9-6-7) snapped a four-match winless streak, as it defeated San Jose for the second time in three meetings this season. The Whitecaps defeated the Earthquakes, 2-1, at BC Place on May 5. San Jose won at home on April 7, 3-1. Newly acquisition Dane Richards scored his first goal for Vancouver in the 20th minute and Alan Gordon equalized before halftime for San Jose, but Robson made no mistake from the spot for his second goal in as many games.

Real Salt Lake Vs Vancouver White Caps Predictions: RSL 2-1 Over Vancouver

This will be a great match to watch as the number 2 and 3 teams clash. But, RSL at home will be tough to beat. Look for RSL’s Alavarez to put on another show as he goes head up with Whitecaps Dane Richards . In the end I see RSL controlling this match .It will be low scoring but great tempo.

Original Source Real Salt Lake Vs Vancouver White Caps
 
Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Montreal Impact vs New York Red Bulls Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite Major League Soccer 2012 Match.

Montreal Preview

The Impact look to bounce back from the thumping they took last week from the Dynamos. The Montreal Impact ended a series of 10 games in 36 days with a 3-0 loss (halftime 1-0) against the Houston Dynamo, Saturday, at BBVA Compass Stadium, in Houston. The Impact started the game with three changes to the starting lineup. Midfielders Justin Mapp and Patrice Bernier, as well as defender Jeb Brovsky, were not in the starting lineup. Brovsky, who played the last 13 games, did not play due to a thigh injury.

Quebec-born defender Karl W. Ouimette, developed by the club’s Academy, played in his first ever career MLS game, replacing defender Zarek Valentin, who left the game in the 23rd minute as a result of an injury to his left ankle.

New York Preview

The Red Bulls improved to 7-0-3 inside of Red Bull Arena this season with a 2-0 victory over the visiting Union, thanks to goals on each side of halftime from a reborn Kenny Cooper (above) and another shutout for goalkeeper Bill Gaudette and the New York defense.

The victory saw the Red Bulls move to 11-5-5 on the year and put them in first place in the Eastern Conference heading into Saturday night's action. It also ended a three-game winning streak for the Union (6-10-2) and gave them their second loss to New York this year.

Montreal Impact vs New York Red Bulls Predictions: Red Bulls 3-0 Over Impact

Face it The New York Red Bulls are one of the most difficult teams in MLS to beat at home. That said, The Red Bulls will make a statement in this game at the expense of the Impact. New York runs a high powered attack while the Impact is full of injuries. Red Bulls will jump out and control most of this match.

Original Source Montreal Impact vs New York Red Bulls
 
Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite Major League Soccer 2012 Match.

FC Dallas Preview

FC Dallas had Monday off to rest after playing three matches in eight days. They’ll get Wednesday off as well, but this time due to the MLS All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Hyndman will be in Philadelphia on Wednesday for a meeting of the MLS Technical Committee that he is a part of. Hyndman said the committee usually reviews notable or controversial plays, with members giving their opinion on whether fouls or cards should have been issued. Hyndman will fly back to Dallas in time for Thursday’s morning training session. Hyndman knows a strong LA Galaxy squad will take the field on Saturday (7 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Network), even if they don’t have all of their high-wattage stars. Landon Donovan is suspended for the match due to yellow card accumulation. “They’re a hard team to beat,” Hyndman said. “They are the team we’re aiming at right now to get that fifth [playoff] spot” But Hyndman isn’t worried about his squad. “It seems like when we play them we really do show up,” Hyndman said. FC Dallas tied LA 1-1 at the Home Depot Center on April 28, surrendering a late goal to the Galaxy.

Los Angeles Preview

David Junior Lopes answered Gareth Bale's superb header, and the LA Galaxy claimed a 1-1 draw with England's Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly Tuesday night at The Home Depot Center.

Bale's header gave Tottenham a 17th-minute lead, and Lopes, with his first goal since joining LA in April, netted the equalizer in the 28t

The Galaxy made seven substitutions at halftime; Tottenham just two, bringing on six more players during the second half. Among LA's changes: rookie goalkeeper Brian Rowe making his club debut, Mike Magee returning from a shin injury, rookies Rafael Garcia and Tommy Meyer moving onto the backline, and Jack McBean joining fellow teen Villarreal up front. With LA fielding a less experienced lineup in the second half, Tottenham dominated the proceedings, but were unable to regain the lead despite a good look for Defoe and penalty appeals from Bale, Sigurdsson and youngster Harry Kane. The game was the fourth friendly the Galaxy has played against English opposition, though they have yet to win one of those games

FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy Predictions: FC Dallas 2-1 Over LA

The clubs are separated by just three points and FC Dallas has two games in hand. The Galaxy are coming off a two-game Pacific road trip, concluded with a crash in a 3-0 loss at Portland at midweek. Dallas is on fire as of late and it won’t help LA with Donovan Landon being suspended for this game

Original Source FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Egypt U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Egypt U23 Preview

Egypt U-23 just came off of defeating Belgian side Lierse 2-1 in Monday in a friendly game in Belgium in preparation for the Olympics. Ghazl El-Mahalla forward Ahmed Magdy opened the scoring for Egypt in the 24 minutes of the game before Ahly’s striker, one of over-age player in the Egyptian team, doubled the seal for Egypt just seconds before the break. The Ahly striker and his teammates Mohamed Abou Treika and Ahmed Fathi who are also called by Coach Hany Ramzi as over-age players, appeared in a great form during the game. Former Ismaily fullback Ahmed Samir Farag scored the only goal for Lierse in the 58 minute of the game.

New Zealand U23 Preview

The “Oly Whites” had an impressive run during the qualifying campaign being side short of several key players but scoring a total of 15 goals in their four matches, although ten came in the group match against Tonga. The Kiwis won three of three matches by a single goal. The New Zealand team made their Olympic debut during the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening with a 1-1 draw against China denying the Kiwis victory thanks only to an equaliser two minutes from time, followed by a 5-0 capitulation against Brazil, but with the New Zealanders displaying trademark spirit to bounce back in their final match against Belgium, only to suffer a 1-0 defeat against the eventual semi-finalists.

Egypt U23 vs New Zealand U23 Predictions: 1-1 Draw

Both of these teams are evenly matched. I don’t see any of them dominate each other. I can see these 2 teams be very methodical and careful in how they play each other.Look for a evenly played match.

Original Source Egypt U23 vs New Zealand
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Mexico U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions

Mexico U23 will face Gabon U23 in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Coventry Stadium on Sunday, July 29.Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Mexico Preview

Mexico has long been considered as one of the world’s most prideful soccer nations, but they have never won an Olympic medal – ever. Their best finish in history was barely catching fourth place in 1968.

Mexico, already a strong team, was supposed to be stronger. Star striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez was barred from playing by his club, Manchester United, while forward Carlos Vela and midfielder Jonathan dos Santos both declined invitations to play, earning the ire of the Mexican Football Federation. If goal-scoring proves to be a problem for Mexico, the absences of Hernandez and Vela will be proven as the main factor.

As group favorites in a relatively weak Olympic field, Mexico is in the best-ever position to capture that elusive medal in London.

Gabon Preview

Gabon won the African Olympic qualifying tournament, in a dramatic struggle of sorts, rallying from deficits against South Africa and the Ivory Coast in the group stage to stay alive, surprising Senegal in the semifinals with an extra time goal in the 119th minute and again rallying from a goal down in the final against Morocco to win the African crown.

Gabon will not be expected to advance in its Olympic debut, but it’s safe to say that the Gabonese will not be intimidated by early deficits against more favored teams.

Mexico U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions: Mexico U23 wins 2-1

Mexico is the obvious favorite, but Gabon has been proven as resilient prey. Mexico can win this as easy as it can get, though in the off-chance Gabon might surprise everyone. However, it’s just a surprise – probabilities aren’t based on unexpected outcomes.

Original Source Mexico U23 vs Gabon
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Japan U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions

Japan will face Morocco in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group D branch at the St James Park, the home of Premiership club Newcastle United, on Sunday, July 29. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Japan Preview

Japan conquered their qualifying for this league with a loss to Syria as the only blemish on their copybook. A 2-0 win over Bahrain was the fixture that sure fired their advancement in a qualifying marathon that saw them score 17 goals in eight matches and concede six. Head coach Takashi Sekizuka took over the command structure in 2012.

Morocco Preview

Morocco has made it to this stage on six prior occasions but got past the group stage only once. They became part of Group D this time by reaching the finals of last year’s CAF African U23 Championship. However, in this championship, they lost to their rivals, Gabon. Team coach for the Moroccan team is Pim Verbeek from the Netherlands.

Japan U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions: Japan wins 2-0

Japan being the favorite is the obvious winner. The Japanese obviously has a better record, with the Syrian defeat as their only liability. Morocco may be a regular qualifier, though not much a passer beyond the group stage, but Japan is on a roll.

Original Source Japan U23 vs Morocco U23
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Senegal vs Uruguay Predictions

Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Senegal Preview

Senegal will be searching for a first ever Olympic Games appearance when they compete in the CAF Under-23 Championship in Morocco.

The West African side have yet to compete at the tournament but they are coming off a fourth-place finish at the recent All-Africa Games in Maputo which is their best placement on the continent.Oumar Wade (Lille, France), Abdoulaye San (Rennes, France) and Dieylani Fall (Auxerre, France) are all striker to be wary of, while Pape Maly Diamanka (Rayo Vallecano, Spain) looks a fine prospect as well. Defender Lamine Gassama (Lyon, France) is a full international already, while fellow defenders Saliou Ciss and Kara Thioune (both Tromso, Norway) have been making a name for themselves in Scandinavia as well.The only newcomer to the group ahead of the CAF Under-23 Championships is midfielder Ibrahima Khaliloulah Seck (Epinal, France).

Uruguay Preview

Uruguay came off of an impressive win against Panama earlier this week 2-0. Let’s face it Uruguay might not have the big names but, they sure pack a powerful offensive attack. Uruguay takes a back seat to no one . Led by super striker Edinson Cavani Recenty Cavani scored Napoli's 1000th away goal, with the club closing in on the heels of current top-of-the-table Milan. At the same time his pronouncement regarding the state of his nation's football retained its truth value when the Uruguay U-20s beat their Argentina counterparts with a footballing master class and secured a ticket to the London Olympics 2012. This is the first time in over 80 years that Uruguay will compete in Olympic football, having been the very first gold medalists in the discipline.

Sengal vs Uruguay Predictions: Uruguay 3-0 over Senegal

Senegal will have a tough time matching the speed of Uruguay also the defensive savvy Uruguay is very stingy on defense. I see Uruguay controlling the temp through possessions throughout this game.

Original Source Sengal vs Uruguay
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview: Korea U23 vs Switzerland U23 Predictions

Switzerland will face South Korea in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Coventry Stadium on Sunday, July 29. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Switzerland Preview

Switzerland is an obvious underdog, only being able to qualify this year in the Olympics (from 1988 onwards, the year they started joining again). Their only meaningful achievement is almost forgotten – a Silver medal in 1924. In the current incarnation of the Swiss team, Switzerland lost a recent friendly match to newcomer team Senegal, 1-0.

Korea Preview

South Korea is one of the favorites of the group, being a consistent qualifier for the past Olympics, as well as being a consistent top placer in the Asian games. Based on the past friendlies as well, the Koreans were able to defeat the last three teams.

Switzerland U23 vs Korea U23 Predictions: Korea wins 2-1

South Korea being the favorite is the obvious winner. The Koreans also outmatched Senegal – the team who defeated Switzerland earlier. It might be a factor that the Swiss are hungry for improvement with their first qualification in ages, but facing a powerhouse isn’t a joke.

Original Source Switzerland U23 vs Korea U23
 
London Olympic Games 2012 Preview:Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23 Predictions

Team GB squares off Against the UAE at London’s Wembley Stadium on the 29th of July. Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Great Britain Preview

After producing a somewhat lacklustre performance during the Euro 2012 tournament, Team Great Britain has something to look forward to this time. Team GB appear to have a good chance of claiming a medal, especially as their group includes the unfavorable UAE and Senegal, who qualified for the tournament after beating Oman in a play-off. The two top teams of each group, Group A being Great Britain’s, will receive the ticket to the quarter-finals.

It’s key players include the ancient yet still ticking Ryan Giggs, who has also been chosen to captian the squad, compatriot Craig Bellamy, the firebrand forward, another old timer, and an array of younger, hungrier players such as Butland in goal, Cleverley and Ramsey in middle of the park and Sturridge in attack.

Of course, their qualifications in entering the Olympics was no sweat at all, Great Britain gained automatic entry for being the hosting nation, but if the squad holds off against the UAE and Senegal, they have a shot at winning a medal.

United Arab Emirates Preview

The UAE are one of the surprise qualifiers for the 2012 Olympic games, having topped a group consisting of Asian footballing heavyweights like Australia, Iraq and Uzbekistan in AFC’s Pre-Olympic Tournament. They are not considered one of the Asian powerhouses.

During the Olympics, the squad will be led by the legendary striker IsmaeilMatar, considered by many as best footballer the country has ever produced, along with two promising star players, Ahmed Khalil and Ahmed Ali. But the lack of experience for the majority of the team players, regardless of their recent triumphs in the Asian stage, might be their biggest obstacle to overcome.

Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23 Predictions: Draw 1-1

With the UAE’s recent victories that were considered major upsets by many and Team GB’s well weathered players, there’s really no telling who has the upper hand in this match-up

Original Source Great Britain U23 vs United Arab Emirates U23