Riveting rivalry on cards in London

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Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt made the 2008 Olympics their own with awe-inspiring performances. The American swimmer won an unprecedented eight gold medals, breaking seven world records in the process and the Jamaican sprinter wowed the Bird’s Nest by blowing the field away in the sprint races including the relay.

But the 2008 Games wasn’t only about the two great individuals, as Beijing also witnessed gripping action in team events. Argentina’s back-to-back golds in men’s football and Germany’s hockey gold after a pulsating final against Spain stood out.

The 2012 London Olympics is all set for riveting rivalry in team events. Here is an account of five potential crackers.

Japan vs USA (women’s football): The US women will be fired up to retain their Olympic gold.
Their motivation will be the penalty loss they had suffered at the hands of Japan in the World Cup final last year. Japan’s famed fighting spirit came to the fore in the final as they fought back twice in open play to force a shootout. The plight of the Fukushima nuclear disaster victims back home inspired the Japanese women to fight till the finish and come out on top. But beating the wounded US team at London is going to be tougher.

Australia vs Germany (men’s hockey): Australia have been on a roll ever since they edged out Germany in the final of the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi. But Australia coach Ric Charlesworth has identified Germany as his team’s major rivals for the Olympic gold and rightly so. The Germans have a well-earned reputation for raising their game on the big stage and they will not roll over at the sight of the all-conquering Australia. An absorbing battle for hockey supremacy looks imminent.

Brazil vs Spain (men’s football): Spain are the new flag bearers of the beautiful game and past masters Brazil will try to reclaim the honour at London. The Brazilian squad is full of talent, even though only three players above 23 years of age are eligible to take part at the Olympics. Having never won the Olympic title, Brazil have reached London determined to set the record straight.

Hungary vs Serbia (men’s water polo): Water polo has a historic resonance for Hungary whose gold medal in the sport at the 1956 Olympics lifted the nation after the Soviet invasion. Hungary will be gunning for their fourth straight gold at London.

Serbia’s cabinet has everything except an Olympic gold. Water polo will get under way with a meeting of the powerhouses in a group match and don’t be surprised if the fierce rivals take on each other in the final too.

China vs USA (medal tally): This contest will not be in the final of one event; it will be on from start to finish of the London Olympics for overall supremacy. China rode on a wave of patriotism to upstage USA for the most number of gold medals at Beijing. The US appear primed to reclaim their rightful place.