ATLien

does anyone care?

Brazil and Argentina look like they might be sending some big names.

Yao Mania

Ronaldinho's definitely going after agreeing to go to AC Milan. Should be exciting, but for Olympics basketball >>>>>> soccer/football

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agoo101284

I'm looking forward to it. US seems to be sending a pretty solid squad. Nothing on the level of Brazil or Argentina, but since those two play each other in the semis, there is a shot at a medal.

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croco

I would care a lot more if they finally allow everyone to participate without any restrictions. It would not only upgrade the sport itself, but also the meaning of the Olympics, much like basketball since 1992. Most teams don't want to let their players go for that time. I will still watch though, but not with as much enthusiasm as the other sports.

Turkish Delight

It would be ridiculous for them to allow their players to go. Champions League Qualifying has already started. Many top clubs with footballers who play for their country start as early as the end of July. Having them play in the Olympics would make no sense. It's just too much to ask of these footballers, playing in international tournaments such as Euros or World Cups, qualifying for these tournaments, their own domestic leagues, European Championships (UEFA Cup, Champions League). I think the Olympics are fine the way they are, providing the opportunity for the younger generation to compete on a global stage.

agoo101284

IF there were no player restrictions and FIFA made clubs release players, the Olympics would essentially become the World Cup. That doesn't make sense. Basketball doesn't have an international championship on that level other than the Olympics.

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croco

There is a world and European championship in basketball too. The best should be allowed and able to compete in the Olympics, not the youngest.

croco

They would have to change the calendar of course. If teams have to allow to let their players go to the Africa Cup midway through the season every two years, they can find a way to make it happen for the Olympics too.

Turkish Delight

African Cup of Nations is much more significant than Olympics though. African Cup is the equivalent of Euro. Obviously players are going to be going to that. And even though players do leave their clubs to participate in this tournament, there is no break in their domestic league.

Turkish Delight

So you want these players to participate in the qualifying as well? When would they have a break exactly? I'll give you an example of some players from Fenerbahce, how about Semih Senturk. He had a long season in 2007/2008. Fenerbahce got to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, came 2nd in their domestic league. A couple of weeks later he joined Turkey's camp to prepare for Euros and in the beginning of June the tournament began. The last game he played was June 26th. He had two weeks off and now he's back practicing with his club. You expect a player like him to go and play for his country in the Olympics?

Go watch the Confederations Cup.

agoo101284