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Olympic Soccer Schedule 2012: Early Games You Can't Miss

Timothy RappJun 7, 2018

The Olympic soccer tournament may not hold the same pedigree as the World Cup, but it is still a chance to see some of the top talent in the men's and women's game today.

From the Brazilian men looking to win a first-ever gold medal in this tournament behind young superstar Neymar to the United States women looking to avenge a World Cup final loss to Japan behind starlet Alex Morgan, there is no shortage of exciting storylines and talented individuals to watch.

Let's take a look a a few early games you absolutely cannot miss, along with the tournament's schedule in its entirety to follow.

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Matches You Can't Miss

July 25: United States vs. France (Women)

Nothing less than gold will suffice for Morgan, Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe, and the U.S. women are fully capable of standing atop the podium when all is said and done.

But this French side is extremely talented and could play spoiler in this tournament, led by playmaking midfielder Louisa Necib, attacking midfielder Sonia Bompastor and clinical striker Marie-Laure Delie.

If you like exciting, creative footy, this will be a match to see. You can't ask for much more on the first day of a tournament than this.

July 28: Japan vs. Sweden (Women)

It's Homare Sawa and the defending World Cup champions Japan against star-striker Lotta Schelin and a strong Swedish side.

Japan will be the favorites, but don't underestimate the Swedes—they finished third at the 2011 World Cup and always boast a solid, if not spectacular side. Still, the technical and precise Japanese should be too much for Sweden to overcome in this intriguing group match.

August 1: Great Britain vs. Uruguay (Men)

You want star power?

This game has star power. The Brits send out Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards, while Uruguay counters with dangerous forwards Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, arguably giving them the best front line in these Olympics.

Brazil and Spain appear to be the two strongest squads in this tournament by a long run, but the home support for Great Britain will make them a motivated side, and a sneaky Uruguayan squad will make noise as well.

In this premier group stage match, we'll get to see which team is likely to be louder in London.

Schedule

Schedule from NBCOlympics.com. All times Eastern.

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