The Paris Olympic football draw took place on Wednesday night. The draw, held at the Olympic headquarters in the French capital city of St. Denis, saw hosts France find a fairly easy opponent. A tough test lies ahead for world champions Argentina.
Not only men’s football but also women’s football draws were held at the same event. Hosts France have been placed in Group ‘A’ in both divisions and the hosts will play the opening match of Olympic football in both divisions.
In men’s football, hosts France’s remaining three opponents are the United States, New Zealand and the winner of the intercontinental play-off (AFC-4 vs Guinea).
Argentina is in Group ‘B’. Their opponents are Morocco, Ukraine and the third team from Asia. A qualifying team from Asia and a winner of the AFC-CAF play-offs are yet to be determined.
Spain’s opponents are Egypt, Dominican Republic, AFC-2 or the second-placed team from Asia. Group ‘D’ consists of Paraguay, Mali, Israel and the first team to qualify from Asia (AFC-1).
Brazil’s dream was to win gold for the third consecutive time in Olympic football. But they had to withdraw from the selection after losing 1-0 to Argentina in Olympic qualifying football. The five-time world champions failed to reach the main stage of Paris Olympic football. However, the country has a women’s football team in the Olympics.
On the other hand, Argentina has the opportunity to pick up a third gold medal. They won the 2004 and 2008 Olympic football gold. The last of these, played by Lionel Messi in 2008. Argentina wants to win gold with this 36-year-old footballer and this may be Messi’s last international tournament for the country.
French Olympic football team coach Thierry Henry was present at the draw ceremony. He said, ‘Nothing is easy.’ France won the first and last Olympic football gold in 1984. This time as the hosts, they are favorites and want to win their second gold.
Who is in which group in boys football
Group ‘A’
France, USA, New Zealand and play-off winner (AFC-4 vs Guinea)
Group ‘B’
Argentina, Morocco, Ukraine and AFC-3
Group ‘C’
Spain, Egypt, Dominican Republic and AFC-2
Group ‘D’
Paraguay, Mali, Israel and AFC-1
Who is in which group in girls football
Group ‘A’
France, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand
Group ‘B’
USA, CFC-2 (Zambia-Morocco), Germany, Australia
Group ‘C’
Spain, Japan, CAF-1 (Nigeria-South Africa) and Brazil.
IHS/
#France #easy #group #Argentina #difficult #group