If Rio de Janeiro is the host city of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brasília can be considered the “pre-Games city”. The Brazilian capital was the starting point for the Olympic torch relay on Brazilian soil and will also be the stage for the Brazil men’s Olympic football team’s opening match – taking place even before the Games’ opening ceremony. Rio2016.com has put together a pre-tournament analysis of each game to be played in Brasília, so have a look and make a note in your diary.

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The Seleção + Mané Garrincha Stadium = lots of goals

When Brazil’s national team, known as the Seleção, play at the new Mané Garrincha Stadium there are always sure to be goals aplenty, whether for or against the home side. Completely rebuilt to host the 2014 World Cup, the stadium hosted the first match of the 2013 Confederations Cup, which ended in a 3-0 victory to Brazil over Japan.

In 2014, the venue was the stage for seven matches during the World Cup. One of them was Brazil’s third game of the group stage in which the hosts defeated Cameroon 4-1. The stadium also hosted the first game after Brazil’s infamous 7-1 semi-final defeat, a 3-0 win for the Netherlands in the third-place playoff.

The stadium's love affair with goals is not only restricted to the men’s national team. In 2014 the venue hosted the women’s International Tournament, which saw Brazil run out winners scoring 11 goals in four games, at an average of three a game.

Olympic tournament highlights at the Mané Garrincha Stadium

Women’s tournament

Germany v Canada

The powerful German side, world champions in 2003 and 2007, are still in search of their first Olympic gold medal. In their third match they will face Canada, who have come along a lot in the last few years and have every right to fight for a place in the knockout round and perhaps even a medal. Expect a big game.

China v Sweden

The women that play for China’s national team are known as the Steel Roses; their name alone should make it very clear to this Swedish side that these opponents mean business. For their part, Sweden have one of the strongest national leagues in the world and has a wealth of Olympic experience in their favour. They have competed in every women’s Olympic football tournament since its inception at Atlanta 1996 and finished fourth in 2004.

1^st in group G v 3^rd in group E/ F

If favourites Team USA do as expected and qualify first from their group they will play in this match. Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and co. will have their work cut out if they are to maintain their dominance of women’s Olympic football: Canada, Australia, China and Sweden are among their potential opponents.

Germany v Canada in Brasília is one of the highlights of the women’s Olympic football tournament (Photo: Getty Images/Jeff Vinnick)

Men’s tournament

Iraq v Denmark

The first game of the men’s Olympic football tournament, this clash takes place before the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Games. With five previous appearances in this event at the Games, Iraq had a dream tournament at their last appearance, finishing fourth at Athens 2004. Denmark reached the semi-finals of the under-21 European championship, which took place in Czech Republic in 2015, guaranteeing their berth at this year’s Games.

Brazil v South Africa

Neymar and co. begin their hunt for a first Olympic gold medal in men’s football on 4 August at 4pm local time. Their first test will be against South Africa, an interesting match as African teams have been a thorn in Brazilian football’s side in the past (Brazil were eliminated by Nigeria at Atlanta 1996 and by Cameroon at Sydney 2000). South Africa will be competing for the second time in this tournament, after their debut 16 years ago in Sydney.

Denmark v South Africa

In group A, which also includes Brazil and Iraq, this match is looking like it will be an important decider: qualification for the winner and elimination for the defeated side. The tension should lead to an interesting encounter at the Mané Garrincha Stadium.

Brazil v Iraq

The second game for the hosts will kick-off at 10pm. Iraq will be hoping on an improvement compared to their only other game against Brazil, in which they were thrashed 6-0. For Brazil, victory could see them qualify for the knockout phase.

 The Mané Garrincha Stadium, which hosted the opening game of the 2013 Confederations Cup, will be the stage for Brazil's first match in the men's competition at the Rio 2016 Games. (Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images)  

Argentina v Honduras

Most observers expect Argentina and Portugal to qualify from this group, which also includes Honduras and Algeria. To confirm their place in the next round Argentina need to overcome the Hondurans, who proved tricky for their neighbours Brazil at London 2012 where they narrowly beat them 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

Republic of Korea v Mexico

This is a showdown between London 2012 gold medallists Mexico and bronze medallists Republic of Korea. As Germany are the big favourites on this side of the draw, this match could prove decisive in the fight for second place in group C. In all likelihood, both teams will arrive at this match, the last in the group stage, needing a win in order to progress. This has all the makings for a great game.

1^st in Group D v 2^nd in Group C

Various teams could feature in this first game of the knockout phase, but regardless of who takes to the field, this match promises to be a competitive encounter. In Group D, Argentina and Portugal are set to contest first place. In Group C, the front-running contenders for qualification are Mexico, Germany and Republic of Korea. In other words, we are sure to see a nerve-wracking, fascinating game featuring teams with very different footballing styles.

Also see:

Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in São Paulo

Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in Belo Horizonte

Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in Salvador

Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in Manaus