Olympic games football champions

That "First World Cup" was won by a team of Durham miners, who probably only got expenses. Like tennis and, in future, golf, the Olympics, which were originally an amateur Games, has become pragmatic in allowing professionals to compete against each other, though there is no prize money.

This does not prevent sponsored athletes and those who win prize money elsewhere from competing, but it is always for national and individual pride. Brazil were the only bidders for the World Cup, which, by rotation, has to be played in South America. They are taking it seriously, to the extent that they are using the Olympics as a proving ground for their likely team.

It is by no means certain that they will win, but with Spain's elimination, they must be hot favourites now. Not surprising, really, with so many hot or talked-about young players. Are we indeed seeing a repeat of the period from the to the Olympics when Brazilian stars emerged?

African football has been developing fast in the last 20 years, and this must in part be due to the success of Ghana finishing third in the Olympics, Nigeria winning in and Cameroon winning in Nigeria were also losing finalists in This progress has been reinforced by the showing of other nations this time.

Senegal have shocked Uruguay and earned a deserved draw against GB. The USA women's football team has done wonders for promoting both the credibility and popularity of women's football. It is a pity that their professional league has ceased. For those who until relatively recently would have thought it was something of a curiosity, they must surely have noted the significant improvement in skill and tenacity.

That keeps Brazil and USA apart until the final. It has been difficult this year for U. Soccer to host elite opposition in the tournament, with the Covid pandemic, the long travel needed for nations and new tournaments - such as England's Arnold Clark Cup - all factors. The reigning world champions qualified automatically for the tournament, as did Olympic gold medallists Canada.

However, fixtures are not yet confirmed, as the qualification process for the rest of the confederation begins in February, ending in April. Despite remaining an SEC powerhouse, the Bulldogs have not won a national title since the season. Nonetheless, Georgia's victory that day and the season ensured the team finished No. The Bulldogs claim two national championships, with the first being way back in Their second and more recent title was back in which was the freshman year for one Herschel Walker.

The game is a rematch of the SEC Championship game from earlier this season, when the Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season.