Olympic Soccer 2012: Latest Updates from London

The 2012 London Olympics are well underway, with the football competition already through the opening two fixtures.

Some teams have had an excellent start to the tournament and their chances at a medal look promising, while others are already eliminated and have one meaningless group match left to play.

A lot has taken place in the opening week of competition, so read on to see all the updates and news from London.

The Favorites Have Already Fallen

Spain entered the 2012 London Olympics as one of the teams to beat—boasting a strong squad, with several players joining following their recent victory at the 2012 European Championships.

Thus to lose their opening two matches without scoring a goal came as somewhat of a shock to many football fans around the world. The fact they lost to Japan and then Honduras was completely unexpected, and without doubt, the biggest surprise of the tournament so far.

Spain will play a meaningless match against Morocco to conclude their campaign on Wednesday, though they do have plenty of pride to play for.

Brazil Looking Strong

With Spain out of the tournament, Brazil are looking like the team to beat in the men's competition, and have started the competition strongly.

They netted three first-half goals en route to victory over Egypt, and also put three past Belarus to assume top spot in Group C and earn qualification through to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Brazil have never won a gold medal at the Olympic Games, but if their opening two matches are anything to go by, this could well be their year to do so.

Great Britain vs. Uruguay of Utmost Importance

The ageless Ryan Giggs scored a crucial goal for Great Britain as they earned a win over the United Arab Emirates to take them to the top of Group A, though they are not safe in the competition just yet.

Their final round match against Uruguay is shaping as a pivotal match for Team GB, who would love to win their way through to the knockout stages in front of their home fans.

Uruguay were stunned in their last match 2-0 by a ten-men Senegal, who are likely to progress through to the knockout stages with the victory. 

Team USA the Favorite in Women's Competition

Over on the women's side of the draw, it's simply all the United States as Alex Morgan and company power their way towards the Olympic gold medal.

Heavily favored before the competition, Team USA are sitting atop Group G with one match remaining—having already qualified through to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Their biggest danger appears to Brazil, who are yet to concede a goal and sit on top of Group E with one match left to play.

Best Goal of the Tournament so Far: Neymar

Our final update from London is the goal of the tournament so far—both men's and women's—which has come from none other than Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Widely regarded as one of the hottest footballers on the planet, Neymar netted this spectacular free kick en route to Brazil's 3-1 victory over Belarus.

Check out footage of the goal here.

Anything you've picked up on in the opening matches?

Comment below or hit me up on Twitter:  Follow @dantalintyre