Why don't a lot of the bigger soccer countries go to the olympics?

[samgurt]

Like why weren't Portugal or Germany in it? Do they just not care about it as much as the world cup or something?

And did Spain play the same people they normally would?

Been wondering this for a few weeks now

[Rich Boy]

My buddy is a big soccer guy, says most good players dont care about Olympics.

World Cup is what they dream of


Its kinda like hockey, most guys would rather win the Stanley cup than a gold medal

[beermankirk]

Its an under 23 tourney... more amateur...

[k13]

They did not qualify.

[Mriceyman]

Can only use a certain number of.players from national team and u 23

[poloyol]

My buddy is a big soccer guy, says most good players dont care about Olympics.

World Cup is what they dream of


Its kinda like hockey, most guys would rather win the Stanley cup than a gold medal

Wrong...all the elite NHL stars represent there countries in the winter Olympics.

[samgurt]

is only mens U23? no way Abby Wambach is that young

[convick]

Can only use a certain number of.players from national team and u 23

Basketball will be the same soon.

[tb1984]

Check out this wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footbal...ummer_Olympics

It's only a 16-team tournament, not like the 32-team world cup tournament. They have to go through qualification rounds.

These Olympics teams must consist of players who are under 23 years old, and only 3 older players(> 23 years old) are allowed. That's why you don't see players that played for Spain in the European cup.

[tb1984]

is only mens U23? no way Abby Wambach is that young

U23 rule only applies to men

[MatI]

My buddy is a big soccer guy, says most good players dont care about Olympics.

World Cup is what they dream of

Your buddy doesn't seem to know the rules.

Mens Olympic teams are under 23 squads, 3 exceptions to this are allowed.

[AribaAriba]

who created these rules, bunch of baldy belly oldies who got no basis on creating such rules. If they have a trampoline as a competitions snookers or any other pool tables should be included as well.

[samgurt]

thanks for clearing that up for me. was confused.

[Types]

Its an under 23 tourney... more amateur...

If it's under 23 then why did gigs come off the bench for GB he's like 40???? NVM saw the rules.

[MatI]

If it's under 23 then why did gigs come off the bench for GB he's like 40????

You need to read the full thread and you would get your answer.

Players must be under 23, apart from 3 EXCEPTIONS.

[Nova99]

Both Europe and SA use only U21 players to qualify for this as part of their regional competitions. The general rule is if you are a good enough player at 20-21 you are going to be a regular club member and will not play in these youth tournaments since those club competitions are generally at a higher level than youth internationals, therefore a lot of times the top or traditional nations will not make it to the olympics because their youth teams are usually not full of their best youth players

The truth is the IOC and FIFA mutually benefit from this deal since they can maximize the money involved by hosting a separate world cup and the olympics will have a few recognized big name players with the overage player rule.