Brazil kick off their latest attempt to win their Holy Grail of Olympic footballing gold today as their star-studded side take on Egypt in Cardiff.
The most successful nation in football history, Brazil have won an unrivalled five World Cups and no fewer than eight South American continental championships since 1916.
But despite repeated attempts at Olympic glory, the gold medal has remained stubbornly elusive for a nation which is often regarded as the spiritual guardians of the Beautiful Game.
A squad bristling with star names including the highly sought-after Neymar, Oscar and Lucas, and bolstered by established over-age players Thiago Silva, Hulk and Marcelo, looks like the team to beat on paper.
Although the squad suffered a setback on Tuesday when goalkeeper Rafael Cabral was ruled out with an elbow injury, it will be a major surprise if Brazil fail to emerge from a straightforward-looking first round group which also includes Belarus and New Zealand.
“It’s huge for Brazilian fans, it’s a dream to get this gold medal,” coach Mano Menezes said. “It’s the only title we’re missing.”
Britain’s men, making their first appearance at an Olympic football tournament for 52 years, open their Group A campaign against Senegal at Manchester United’s Old Trafford home tonight.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland said the British team had united behind veteran captain Ryan Giggs, the Wales and Manchester United star who is playing in his first international tournament.
“He is a presence even before he opens his mouth. He is a player you respect, he’s been in the Premier League his whole career and he’s been there and done it, won Champions Leagues and Premier Leagues,” Butland said.
“It’s massive for us to be able to draw on that experience and he’s always there offering his opinion. We are fortunate to have him around.”
Today’s matches: 1 p.m. Honduras vs Morocco; 3.30 p.m. Mexico vs South Korea; 3.45 p.m. Spain vs Japan; 6 p.m. UAE vs Uruguay; 6.15 p.m. Gabon vs Switzerland; 20.45 Belarus vs New Zealand, Brazil vs Egypt; 21.00 Great Britain vs Senegal.