Olympics Men's Football Round 3: Best Matches, Key Battles and Players to Watch
There is now no room for error. Just two teams have already qualified for the next round of the Olympic Games men's football tournament, and two others know they will be returning home after Wednesday's last group matches.
That leaves no less than 12 teams in the hunt for the final six quarter-final places and competition will be fierce. With eight decisive games to be played across Brazil in order to determine the qualifiers, here is all you need to know about the conclusion to this first round.
Group A
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Denmark vs. Brazil, 2 a.m. BST (Monday)/10 p.m. local time, Itaipava Fonte Arena, Salvador.
South Africa vs. Iraq, 2 a.m. BST (Monday)/10 p.m. local time, Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo.
Pick of the round: It is now do or die for the hosts, as they simply must pick up a win against Group A leaders Denmark to continue their participation in the Games. Brazil have had chronic problems in front of goal as both South Africa and Iraq have kept them out, and it will not be any easier against the Danes who have been extremely solid at the back.
Player to watch: In a group that has yielded little excitement so far, Robert Stov marked himself out with the only goal so far in four matches. If he can do so again against Brazil, the home team may well be exiting the competition.
Key battle: Neymar vs. Edigeison Gomes. Brazil's captain was a household name before he had even reached 18. The man who will be bidding to keep him quiet on Wednesday, on the other hand, made his debut just three years ago in professional football after a long climb up the ranks.
Eddy Gomes, born in Guinea-Bissau, playing in China and a member of the Denmark Olympic squad, have so far been impeccable in defence and faces the test of his life against the Barcelona star.
Group B
Japan vs. Sweden, 11 p.m. BST/7 p.m. local time, Itaipava Fonte Arena, Salvador.
Colombia vs. Nigeria, 11 p.m. BST/7 p.m. local time, Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo.
Pick of the round: While Sweden will start as favourites to overcome Japan, their fate will largely rest on what is happening down the coast in Sao Paulo. Colombia let a golden chance slip in letting the Samurai come back from two goals down, but they will fancy their chances against an already-qualified Nigeria to progress into the last eight.
Player to watch: Well-travelled striker Teo Gutierrez has scored in both Colombia's games so far and will hope to do so again against the group leaders. His instinct in front of goal is second-to-none, but he will have to control his sometimes-suspect temperament.
Key battle: Mikael Ishak vs. Naomichi Ueda. While Sweden have struggled to net in Brazil, Japan's big issue has been stopping the goals from flowing at the wrong end.
The Scandinavians need a big game from Ishak, who has played in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Denmark in his short career, while Ueda will hope for better fortunes in the centre of defence to keep the striker under wraps.
Group C
Germany vs. Fiji, 8 p.m. BST/4 p.m. local time, Mineirao, Belo Horizonte.
South Korea vs. Mexico, 8 p.m. BST/4 p.m. local time, Estadio Mane Garrincha, Brasilia.
Pick of the round: It would be an unprecedented shock if Fiji, so far on the wrong end of 8-0 and 5-1 thrashings, could get a result against Germany. The big clash comes in the Brazilian capital, where South Korea and Mexico lock horns. Both need a win to ensure qualification and avoid an early trip home.
Player to watch: Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry has been a bright point in an otherwise mediocre Germany campaign. He has scored three in his two outings and should enjoy the space given by Fiji's rickety back line.
Key battle: Erick Gutierrez vs. Son Heung-Min. With seven and 11 goals, respectively, both Mexico and South Korea have been a potent force in front of goal. The impact of their attack-minded midfielders has been key. Gutierrez smashed four in 25 minutes to put Fiji to the sword, while Tottenham's Son has also enjoyed a proficient tournament.
Group D
Argentina vs. Honduras, 5 p.m. BST/1 p.m. local time, Estadio Mane Garrincha, Brasilia.
Algeria vs. Portugal, 5 p.m. BST/1 p.m. local time, Mineirao, Belo Horizonte.
Pick of the round: Only one of Group D's final games counts on Wednesday, as Portugal are safely into the next round and Algeria ready to go home. Argentina must win to make it to the quarters, as a draw will see Honduras advance thanks to their superior goal difference.
Player to watch: Sunday's clash marked a big improvement for the Albiceleste as they downed Algeria, and Angel Correa was the primary reason. Atletico Madrid's live wire picked up a goal and an assist, and he was the creative hub for his team as they stayed alive in the Games.
Key battle: Mauricio Martinez vs. Bryan Acosta. Despite Argentina's last win the side have not looked wholly convincing, and part of the problem has been Martinez's problems to act as support from midfield for an extremely talented offensive line.
If Honduras captain Acosta can shackle his opposite number, the Central Americans have an excellent chance at taking the win.
