Olympic Football! Who cares?

Swimming, Gymnastics, Cycling, Hockey, Rowing, Sailing, Diving, Boxing and Athletics are just a handful of the sports that will take centre stage on national British television throughout this month as part of the coverage of the Beijing Olympic Games.

However, in-between the splashes, tucks, sprints and right-hooks, running in the background (and actually exceeding the official Games length) the Olympic Football event will go largely unnoticed within the boundaries of the British Isles. Those interested will have to access the tournament via the little red button or less popular digital channels. This isn’t because swimming and cycling, for example are more popular than football; great spectacles as they are, it’s more in line with the fact, there is no local interest; therefore other sports with local interest will quite rightly transmit to the forefront.

Nevertheless, the Olympic football tournament is a major event, taken very seriously.

Within international circles, the Mens tournament is considered as the unofficial Under 23’s World Cup Finals; and it’s for this reason why former champions Nigeria and Cameroon as well as co-Africans Cote D’Ivoire will all be anticipating podium finishes. Australia, Serbia and the US, all travel to China with confident optimism and there is also huge pressure on the host nation, China, to be successful and finish in the medals. But it is in South America where the fiercest pressure lies, defending champions Argentina and 5 times World Cup winners Brazil are both desperate for a golden finish.

The importance of Olympic football is translated in it’s history, as prior to the 1930 inaugural World Cup Finals the Olympic Games was the most significant world football competition; two of the four stars displayed on the Uruguayan shirt represent their glorious Olympic triumphs of 1924 and 1928.

Fast forward back to modern day and cursory glance over the Argentine squad leaves you with no doubt that Argentina are in Beijing to win; Agüero, Gago, Mascherano, Messi and the sublime Riquelme. A further scan down the squad listings and the class continues, Kalao, Babel, Song and the Brazilian Anderson to name but a few. And it is Brazil who desire gold most, desperate to add the Olympic title to their overflowing trophy cabinet – this is the only international tournament Brazil has never won. This is why Brazil are not in China to blood youngsters, head coach Dunga is in charge and he’s brought a squad to do serious business; Marcelo, Jo, Sobis, Rafinho, Diego, Ronaldinho and the desirable Pato.

This begs the question, if Olympic Football is important to the World’s most successful national team, Brazil, then where are Team GB?

Back in June 2007, England rightfully qualified for the Olympic finals, but due to politics and identity concerns, surrendered their place for Portugal and Italy to fight over; Italy coming out on top. But with one eye on London 2012, where no doubt Team GB will be represented through convenience and outside pressures, it appears on this occasion the opportunity to signal intent has been swerved, leaving the debate to fester for another four years, as to what unification may lead too longer term?

If only England had the guile to fulfill on its reward? If only England had pressed forward, onwards to Beijing, providing representation in the form of three times record holders, Team GB? What TV coverage would Olympic Football yield then?

However, appearances seem to suggest England doesn’t care for Olympic football, even though Olympic Football has been historically most fruitful for England; imagine 4 golden stars? For the rest of the world and especially the 16 competing nations, Olympic Football is the most meaningful team event at this summers Olympic Games, meaning viewers can expect emulous, exciting and enthralling football.

So what if Team GB doesn’t care in 2008, the rest of the world seems too.

FIFA welcomes Team GB