2008 Summer Olympics Soccer Preview

Is there any doubt that Argentina boasts the best youngsters in world football?

Names like Nicolas Burdisso, Ezequiel Garay, Fernando Gago, Ever Banega, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero, and Lionel Messi are household names in some corners of Europe and among some of the most talented youngsters in World football.

That is the sort of talent Argentina is taking to the Olympic Games next month in Beijing. And just in case you think that is not enough, Juan Roman Riquelme has been added to the mix as well.

It won't all be easy pickings for the Argentines though, Brazil will also be taking a relatively strong squad to the tournament with Ronaldinho hoping to rediscover the sort of form that won him the hearts of fans around the world.

Messi and Aguero will prove a handful for opponents in this tournament, but Brazil's centre-back Breno will see facing them as an opportunity to prove that he is ready to make the step-up from Brazil to Europe.

Manchester United's Anderson will be joined by Liverpool's Lucas in midfield, while Real Madrid's Robinho will be looking to partner AC Milan's Alexandre Pato up-front.

I haven't mentioned Jo, Ilsinho, Rafinha, Diego... the list is endless.

The South Americans are coming with arguably the strongest squads but the European Under-21 Champions, the Netherlands, can also not be ruled out.

Royston Drenthe was the star at the UEFA Under-21 Championships and the Dutch squad will also include players like Huntelaar and Hedwiges Maduro who all have senior caps.

The Belgians also gave a good account of themselves at the same tournament and if that is anything to go by expect fireworks from players like Sebastien Pocognoli, Maarten Martens and Kevin Mirallas. With Marouane Fellaini's towering presence in the middle of the park and Vincent Kompany shoring up the defence, anything is possible.

Serbia and Italy are Europe's other representatives at the Olympics.

As for Africa, Ivory Coast are strong contenders and the presence of players like Salomon Kalou should boast their chances while Cameroon bring a lot of experience with a few youngsters who were part of the last edition of the African Cup of Nations, like Stephane Mbia and Alexandre Song.

The hosts China and the other Asian presence, Korea Republic and Japan, are largely unknown quantities.

With all due respect, New Zealand, Australia and USA will be looking for nothing more than a good time in China as far as football is concerned.

It will be a great tournament with some of Europe's biggest names on show while players like Argentina's Diego Buonanotte and Brazil's Breno will be looking to announce their arrival on the big stage.

One of them could walk away as an Olympic champion as well, clearly, the smart money should be on either Brazil or Argentina to lift this trophy.