Olympics 2012 Schedule: What Events to Watch on Saturday

The 2012 Olympic Games officially begin on Saturday with the opening ceremonies taking place Friday. The first day of competition is jam-packed with events and sports, but below are the few you should be watching on Saturday. 

Team USA (Women's Basketball) vs. Croatia (9:45 a.m. ET)

The heavily favored American women begin their Olympic Games on Saturday with a group A game against Croatia. In five exhibition games spanning three countries, the U.S. went 5-0 and had an average margin of victory of well over 30 points. The closest contest came against Turkey, who the U.S. still beat handily 80-61. 

In the middle of July, Team USA beat Croatia by the final of 109-55. Sylvia Fowles scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds to lead the U.S. Expect more of the same Saturday as the Americans begin their chase of the gold. 

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings (Beach Volleyball) vs. Natalie Cook and Tamsin Hinchley (3 p.m.)

Few beach volleyball duos in history have been as dominant as May-Treanor and Walsh-Jennings, who have won the last two gold medals in this event and are looking to add a third in London. That quest beings with a matchup against the Australian duo of Natalie Cook and Tamsin Hinchley. 

May-Treanor and Walsh-Jennings have shown some kinks in the armor since winning gold in 2008, but these two are still one of the favorites to win gold in 2012. Get a glimpse of their opener Saturday.

USWNT (Women's Soccer) vs. Colombia (9 a.m.)

After coming back from 2-0 down to dispatch France 4-2 in the group play opener Wednesday, the U.S. Women's National Team will attempt to stay undefeated against Colombia on Saturday. The Colombians were taken down by North Korea to being their tournament, and the Americans will be heavily favored to extend their losing streak to two games. 

Forwards Alex Morgan (two goals vs. France) and Abby Wambach (first goal in 19') will lead the USWNT. Barring a big upset, the United States will be 2-0 in group play by Saturday afternoon.

Men's and Women's Swimming (Qualifications begin at 3:00 a.m.)

Saturday is a big day for swimming events, with both the men and women competing for medals. 

The men will have qualifying for the 400-meter individual medley (IM) and heats for both the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter breaststroke.

In the 400-meter IM, Michael Phelps is scheduled to run in Heat 4, with Ryan Lochte in Heat 5. Both are considered heavy favorites to win the gold medal, with that race taking place later on Saturday. 

Americans Peter Vanderkaay and Dwyer Conor will run in Heat 5 of the 400-meter freestyle. 

In the 100-meter breaststroke, Brendan Hansen and Eric Shanteau mark the only Americans participating. 

Events on the women's side include the 100-meter butterfly, 400-meter individual medley and the 4x100 individual relay. The United States starts in Heat 1 for the 400-meter relay.