Olympics Soccer 2012: Power Ranking the Top Men and Women's Teams

The football teams in the 2012 Olympics are some of the best in recent memory.

On the women's side, there is more parity than ever before, and it should be one of the most competitive tournaments in the sport's history. After Japan pulled off an incredible upset in the World Cup last year, it's clear that anything can happen in a sport that was once dominated by a few select countries.

As for the men, the tournament will be entertaining despite the age restrictions. With Euro 2012 just concluding, the South American teams will take this time to shine. However, there are a few European teams that will be in the mix.

Despite the wide open competitions, there are clear-cut favorites. Here are the top five teams in each respective tournament.

5. Sweden

Sweden always has a solid performance, but they can never quite lift the trophy.

The team has qualified for every Olympic competition, but they have never won a medal. Time and again, they fall short. However, they are always in the hunt.

Sweden benefited from Germany being upset in the World Cup quarterfinals, finishing third in the tournament. It's something to build on, and the team could use it to win a medal.

Key Player: Lotta Schelin

If Schelin can find the net consistently in this tournament, Sweden will be in great shape. If not, they could have trouble escaping their group.

4. France

In the country's first-ever Olympic games, France has its sights set on gold.

The team finished fourth at the World Cup, and they are ready to make history. The country has a storied men's national team, but the women have not been nearly as successful.

This year, however, things could be different. After an embarrassing exit for the men at Euro 2012, the women hope to play well enough to win a medal. Judging on their performance in Germany last summer, it is a possibility.

Key Player: Sandrine Soubeyrand

The French captain is a legend. She is the country's most capped player, and she can still play an effective role in the midfield. If teams can disrupt her, France will be in trouble.

3. Japan

You can never count out the World Champions.

Despite being underdogs in Germany, Japan overcame the odds and won the World Cup. Now, they are trying to pull off an incredible double. They are the third-ranked team in the world (No. 2 among those that qualified), and they are tough to beat.

Despite winning the World Cup, Japan still isn't the favorite. However, the team is right at the top.

Key Player: Homare Sawa

Her legend just keeps on growing. The Japanese No. 10 will be competing in her fourth Olympic tournament, trying to win her first medal. The team is primed for success, and Sawa is a major reason why.

2. Brazil

Brazil just finds a way to come up short.

After finishing second in three consecutive major tournaments, the Brazilians were knocked out of the 2011 World Cup in the quarterfinals. It was a huge loss for the team, especially considering how late they conceded the equalizer.

Regardless, the team is still extremely talented; they just need to play as well as they can.

Key Player: Marta

She is an attacking genius, and Brazil will go as far as she takes them. The team is strong in every aspect, but Marta adds the moments of brilliance necessary to win a major tournament. If Brazil wants to win gold, Marta must play well.

1. United States

Despite losing the 2011 World Cup, the United States is still the favorite to win gold.

They are a complete team with talent to spare. Unfortunately, they have a knack for scoring droughts at the worst possible times. If the team continues to lack goals, another upset could be brewing.

They are the best team in the world, but that won't mean anything if the United States fails to win yet another major tournament.

Key Player: Alex Morgan

The darling of last year's World Cup will be the difference maker for team USA. Abby Wambach will be tightly marked up front, and it will be up to Morgan (among others) to pick up the slack and put the ball in the back of the net.

5. Great Britain

The host nation will have a tough time getting past the quarterfinals.

They shouldn't have trouble getting out of the group, but past that, it's going to be tough. The biggest omission from the team was undoubtedly David Beckham.

Instead of the legendary Englishman, Stuart Pierce opted for Welshman Ryan Giggs. Considering the Manchester United midfielder was a young man the last time Great Britain participated in the Olympics, it's a reasonable choice.

Key Player: Daniel Sturridge

Great Britain will need goals from somewhere. The Chelsea striker is strong on the ball and incredibly fast, but he has trouble with selfishness. If he can't find a good balance, Great Britain will struggle to score. Otherwise, the hosts could pull off a couple upsets on their way to a gold medal.

4. Mexico

After missing the 2008 Olympics, Mexico is back with a vengeance.

El Tri boasts one of the best attacks in the entire tournament, and they will continue to score goals. If their defense holds up, they will blow teams out in the group stage.

Mexico is slowly asserting its dominance in the CONCACAF region, but this is an opportunity to send a message to the whole world. Mexican football is good, and they must be taken seriously.

Key Player: Giovani Dos Santos

Dos Santos is one of the most skilled players in the tournament. Even though he hasn't quite caught on at Tottenham Hotspur, the 23-year-old No. 10 is extremely creative and capable of absurd golazos.

3. Uruguay

Uruguay may be one of the most intriguing teams in the tournament.

With Luis Suarez, anything is possible. He is a great player, and he can turn a game on its head. However, there's always the possibility he turns it in the opponent's favor. His ability to get under people's skin, however, is incredibly valuable.

If the defense plays even remotely well, Uruguay should reach the semifinals.

Key Player: Edinson Cavani

Suarez is probably the most skilled player on the team, but Cavani is definitely more important. His aerial skills and determination will wear defenses down. Considering all the big transfer talks surrounding him, it'll be interesting to see how the 25-year-old striker handles it.

2. Brazil

Brazil will most likely be the most fun team to watch at the 2012 Olympics.

Nearly every single player is exciting on the pitch, and all of them play well together. They understand the Brazilian tradition, and they want to bring home the first gold medal in their rich footballing history.

With that said, maybe their flair and skill just doesn't translate to the Olympic game. While that might not be true this year, it is something to keep in mind. These youngsters are skilled, but they still have to put it all together.

Key Player: Neymar

He is probably the most talked about youngster in all of football. He has been labeled a fun-loving wunderkid as well as an overrated prima donna—a nd the kid is only 20 years old.

He's incredibly fun to watch maneuver around the pitch. However, Brazil will rely on him either scoring goals or getting it to other players that will put the ball in the net. If Neymar doesn't have a great tournament, Brazil will struggle to win a medal.

1. Spain

It's simply inexcusable to not put Spain as the favorites of a football tournament.

Sure, this isn't the same team that won an unprecedented triple, but these are the guys trying to take their jobs. The team is strong from back to front, featuring some incredibly talented players.

It won't quite be like watching Iniesta and Xavi, but these Spanish players can still move the ball around like champions. Let's just see if they can become champions.

Key Player: Juan Mata

As a Chelsea fan, it's easy for me to say that Mata is the key player for the Spaniards, but it's true. He's a Champions League winner, and not many players in this competition can say that. That experience, along with a full season in the English Premier League, will be a great asset to the Spanish side.

He will create many goal-scoring opportunities. If Spain can put them away, they will be wearing gold medals by the end of the tournament.