London Olympics 2012: Top 5 Storylines to Follow on Day 11

Day 11 at the 2012 Olympic Games is loaded with intriguing storylines.

One of the biggest stories from these Games has been the surprising play of the men's soccer team from the Korean Republic, which will attempt to defeat Brazil—one of the world's best teams—in the semifinals. 

There's much more going on than just men's football, though. Keep reading to find out what else is on the docket for Tuesday, August 7.

Which Men's Football Teams Will Compete for the Gold?

Sport: Football

Event: Men's Semifinals

Time: 12 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. ET

What a difference four years makes. Brazil is the only team remaining in the field that won a medal in 2008. 

Let's take a look at both semifinals matches.

Mexico vs. Japan at 12 p.m. ET

Mexico has had a phenomenal run so far at these Games, especially on the defensive end. The Mexicans didn't allow a single goal during group play, finally giving up two against Senegal in the first round of bracket play. 

Japan has been even better. The Japanese took down the mighty Spanish team in the first game of group play, winning by a score of 1-0. They haven't relinquished a single goal so far during this tournament. 

It's safe to say that goals are going to be hard to come by, and whichever team can draw first blood may end up keeping the lead for good.

Korean Republic vs. Brazil at 2:45 p.m. ET

Brazil has shown a different approach than either of the first two teams, scoring 12 total goals during the tournament and allowing five. The Brazilians won all three games in group play, and it's going to be tough for the Korean Republic's team to keep their potent offense in check. 

The Korean Republic has surprised most of us by making it this far. The team earned one win and two draws to squeak into the brackets, but it made the most of its opportunity and downed Great Britain on penalty kicks in the first game. 

Brazil should be able to dominate, but the Koreans have proven to be tough competitors. 

Can Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings Keep Winning?

Sport: Beach Volleyball

Event: Women's Semifinals

Time: 5 p.m. ET

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings lost their first set in Olympic history earlier in the tournament, but they've continued adding to their impressive Olympics winning streak, which now stands at 18 straight matches. 

They'll take on their toughest opponent to date, though, in the semifinals. 

Chen Xue and Xi Zhang were the second-seeded Olympic team heading into these Games and the top-ranked team on the Swatch World Tour. 

After getting off to a rough start in group play, the Chinese duo haven't lost a set in the last two stages. 

It's going to be an epic showdown, so stay tuned for this one. 

Can April Ross and Jen Kessy Beat the No. 1 Team in the World?

Sport: Beach volleyball

Event: Women's semifinals

Time: 1 p.m. ET

The No. 2 American pair has had a successful Olympics so far. However, an all-American final may be a longshot as April Ross and Jen Kessy are about to face their toughest test yet.

Top-ranked Larissa Franca and Juliana Silva will be their opponents in the semifinal. Franca and Silva are the reigning world champions, and they have won all of their London 2012 matches in straight sets.

Victoria Pendleton Goes for Another Gold

Sport: Cycling - Track

Event: Women's Sprint Semifinals and Final

Time: 11 a.m. and 12:26 p.m. ET

Victoria Pendleton broke an Olympic record in the qualifications for this race. She's already won a gold medal in the women's keirin, and she'll be the favorite to win the sprint. 

In the quarterfinals, Pendleton breezed past Olga Panarina of Belarus in two races to claim the first semifinal berth. The Briton will face Kristina Vogel of Germany in the semifinal, who defeated Lithuania's Simona Krupeckaite in two races on Monday.

Gabby Douglas Looks to Add to Her Medal Collection

Sport: Gymnastics

Event: Women's Individual Balance Beam

Time: 9:47 a.m. ET

Gabby Douglas' medal collection is already substantial. She won the gold with her teammates in the team all-around, won the gold in the individual all-around, placed eighth in the uneven bars and now she'll go for gold on the balance beam.

Douglas was among the world's best on the beam in the qualifications and in the individual all-around, posting the third-highest score in the former and the top score in the latter. 

Another medal will only further cement her as one of the greatest American female gymnasts of all-time.