Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in Belo Horizonte
Germany's Olympic team will return to Mineirão Stadium two years after their senior side defeated Brazil by 7-1 there
Germany's chastening defeat of Brazil in Belo Horizonte has gone down in sporting history (Photo: Getty Images/Robert Cianflone)
This Saturday the Olympic Torch Relay is visiting the city of Belo Horizonte and entering the Mineirão, the football stadium that went down in sporting history at the 2014 World Cup.
It was here that Germany eliminated hosts Brazil in a devastating 7-1 drubbing, the largest ever margin of victory in a World Cup semi-final. In less than three months' time, the Mineirão will once again be hosting matches in a major international football tournament. Among the men's and women's teams that will be competing here in Olympic football, all eyes will be on the return of the German side to the scene of one of their greatest triumphs.
Groups and match schedule defined for Rio 2016 football tournaments
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Women's tournament
USA v New Zealand
The USA women's team will make their debut in Rio 2016 at the Mineirão. Not only have the USA conquered four of the five Olympic tournaments disputed so far – and picked up silver at Sydney 2000 – they are also the reigning World Cup champions. One day someone will put an end to their golden run, but New Zealand seem unlikely candidates for the job.
France v Colombia
The French team is one of the new forces in women's football. At London 2012, the French finished fourth, losing 2-1 to Japan in the semi-final and then 1-0 to Canada in the bronze medal match. Colombia will be looking for their first Olympic victory after three defeats at London 2012 – including a 1-0 loss to France.
USA v France
At London 2012, the all-conquering USA team beat the French by a convincing 4-2 in the first round of the group stages. France will hope to present a bigger challenge to the Americans this time around.
France and the USA met in the group stages of London 2012 (Photo: Getty Images/Stanley Chou)
Colombia v New Zealand
The two teams will face each other for the first time at the Olympic Games. Both sides may need to win if they are to progress any further in the competition.
Quarter-final: 1st in Group E v 3rd in Group F or G
If the Brazil's women team performs as expected, the home side will play the quarter-final in the Mineirão. Possible opponents are Canada, Australia, France and Colombia.
Semi-final
The women's team that wins this match will be guaranteed a silver medal at least. The German team look well positioned to be here. Canada, Sweden or China may stand between them and the final in Rio.
Men's tournament
Algeria v Portugal
After a strong performance at the World Cup, Algeria's men will take on Portugal in the Mineirão. Portugal have underperformed in major championships recently and will be looking to do better this time.
Germany v Fiji
Germany make their return to the Mineirão, two years after that unforgettable semi-final against Brazil. More goals look likely against Fiji, although the Pacific islanders are almost certain to have the support of the Brazilian crowd.
Germany will return to the Mineirão to face Fiji, two years after beating Brazil 7-1 at the same ground (Photo: Getty Images/Buda Mendes)
Quarter-final: 1st in Group C x 2nd in Group D
If Germany wins Group C, they will play the quarter-final match in the Mineirão. It should be quite some match: Argentina and Portugal are favourites to finish in the first two spots in Group D.
Third place play-off
The game no-one wants to be involved in. But with an Olympic bronze medal at stake, there will still be all to play for as the two semi-final losers meet.
Find out how to buy your tickets
See also:
Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in São Paulo
Guide to Rio 2016 Olympic football tournament in Salvador
