Technically the games kicked off today! Football always has a couple of matches they need to squeeze in a before the Opening Ceremony, so from an operational perspective, we are all systems go! (well at least at those venues needed!)
The Football tournament has 16 teams on the men’s side and 12 on the women’s, with each team guaranteed three group stage matches, then quarterfinals, semifinals and medal matches. There are 58 soccer matches and considering the rest days needed, it isn’t realistic to complete the competition in two less days. It usually takes big-time tournaments like the World Cup, Copa America and Euros over a month to complete.
Sadly Australia lost to our Canadian cousins in their first round match in the women’s competition, so wishing them all the best in the next round!
Happy two days to go! Only the finishing touches to do!