Men's Soccer for Rio Olympics 2016: Meet the Contenders, Preview and Predictions
No doubt that soccer is going to be a major event for the host country Brazil for the much-anticipated start of the Rio Games because it has ever since been the cream of the crop for the country's medal haul.
Nonetheless, several squads have the capability to pose a credible threat against the heavy favorite and so here is the list of the soccer teams out for 2016 Olympics that has the capability to land at least in the semi-finals;
Team Brazil has the backing of a football-crazed nation and is predicted to run away with the gold should everything come as planned. Coach Rodrigo Micale had taken charge of Olympic preparation and nilly-willy became the center of spotlight after several senior coaches turned down the offer due to several personal problems.
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Micale has an easier job as well after Brazil's biggest star Neymar confirmed participation and even become one of the poster boys for the Games. Brazil also sacrificed Copa Centenario and withdrawn Neymar so he would be available for the Olympics. Apart from Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Barbosa are also set for the rock-solid squad.
The only challenge Brazil is facing right now is the untimely injury of goalkeeper Fernando Prass. Although Weverton of Atletico Paranaense was quickly drafted in, the lineup will still need an airtight goalkeeper to deny scores from the opposing teams.
Now comes the bigtime squad Mexico who is predicted to defend their Olympics title this year in the finals. The squad has since been pumping money into developing future prospects ahead of the Rio Games and though the current setup is said to be not as good or experienced as the one at London 2012, Mexico is still a devastating force so expect them to reach semifinals at the very least.
Hirving Lozano is Mexico's ace and expected to act as a passport to win the tournament with the help of compatriots center-back Cesar Montes and midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro. The rumors that there are several European clubs with ready contract proposals watching for Lozano's performance in Rio is also a sufficient boost for the Pachuca player to employ his best.
Team Germany is nothing new to this level of competition after finishing bronze in Seoul, the second third-place finish for the team. Germany has a chance to repeat that in Brazil but could be a Phyrric victory since two groupmates, South Korea and Mexico have identical explosiveness.
Team Germany's Max Meyer should be one of the most effective attacking midfielder and the team is sure to rely on his shoulders. Meyer also boasts two years of Bundesliga and Champions League experience under his belt. Further, two more stars including Borussia Dortmund's Matthias Ginter and Arsenal's Serge Gnabry are among the cornerstones of the team.
Lastly, Team Colombia's medal chance is not remote even if star players Yerry Mina and Marlos Moreno are both unavailable for various reasons. Who will make up for the space is Teofilo Gutierrez, a center-forward who already made headlines in five countries. Guttierez is also used to a hostile crowd being a part of the Colombia team that reached the World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil two years ago.
