Right, that’s us for today – join us again tomorrow, and the day after and the day after and the day after that. We’ve a lot to get through! Ta-ra.
Well, er, yes. But you know what I mean.
But does 1988 mean anything other than Flo-Jo?
I wonder which boxers will progress from the Olympics to pay-per-view. The absolute state of this final from Seoul 88.
Another memory from 1984: Seb Coe in the 1500m.
My first Olympics were 1984. The biggest story there was Mary Decker v Zola Budd, and I cannot recommend strongly enough The Fall, a film on them, their rivalry and their time (which you can find on Sky Atlantic if you’ve got it).
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It’s strange to think that tennis only returned to the Olympics in 1988, having been binned after 1924. I understand the argument that if the Games aren’t a sport’s pinnacle, it’s no business being involved, but I think that in this case, we’re much better with. It’s a shame there’s no squash, though (my knees disagree with this).
It’s strange to think that Roger Federer hasn’t won Olympic gold. However, Steffi Graf has won a golden slam.
What a pair of bosses.
An unforgettable tennis match! 🎾
— Olympics (@Olympics) July 13, 2021
Relive the moment @andy_murray became the first tennis player to win back-to-back Olympic golds, after defending his men's singles title against @delpotrojuan at Rio 2016. 🥇🥇#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/jrRCmAddiS
And here’s Tumaini Carayol on her.
Ah man, imagine if Osaka wins. It’s already a shame that no one will be there to see it.
Not precisely Olympics-related, but this is important and I’m sure De Coubertin would have approved.
Things out for which to look to look out for:
As you might imagine, these Olympics have a lot going on besides simple sport.
I can’t find it, but this is a little bit about it.
I watched a doc on synesthesia – mentioned in this piece – a few years ago. It sounds incredible.
Happily, Sha’Carri is keeping herself busy.
.@itskerrii doesn't need you to let her do anything.
— Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre) July 21, 2021
Scored and edited by @kanyewest
Featured track is “No Child Left Behind”
DONDA is officially out in 48 hours! ⏲ pic.twitter.com/9eZN6XJM41
This time, though – and even without Sha’Carri Richardson – the women’s 100m is the event about which most people are most excited. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is obviously the one to beat, but Elaime Thompson-Herha and Shericka Jackson will also be in amongst it, likewise Dina Asher-Smith.
And then there was the men’s long jump final...
That meet really was one of the greatest. In the men’s 100m, Carl Lewis broke the world record to win the gold and Leroy Burrell, who came second, also bettered his previous mark. In fourth, fifth and sixth, Linford Christie broke the European record, Frankie Fredericks the African and Ray Stewart the Jamaican.
That quotation actually reminds me of something Roger Black said – “We kicked their butts” – when GB’s 4x400m relay team beat USA at the 1991 World Championships, with Kriss Akabusi coming from behind to overtake Antonio Pettigrew, the individual gold medalist, on the anchor leg.
Funny to think the Olympics have had one of their great moments even before the opening ceremony.
Thanks Will and hi again. I spent my time away wondering how Tom Cruise will find his way into the Olympic Stadium.
That is all from me, Daniel will be here in a few minutes but I have to go get a jab in the arm.
Get in the Olympic mood with Max Whitlock.
As discussed earlier, skateboarding is only included for the quality of the photos it will produce.
I was in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games opening ceremony as a dancer. Happy to provide some choreography tips to the lads.
Sean Ingle sat down with Reece Prescod, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Geraint Thomas is aiming for a first Olympic road medal to add to his two from the track, and will have two chances of doing so in Tokyo.
The 35-year-old crashed into a ditch in Rio five years ago when in with a fine chance of winning a medal, so wants to make amends this time around.
“I was there in the mix in Rio and then unfortunately crashed on the last corner of the descent and that put me out of it,” Thomas said. “Hopefully it is third time lucky.
“I don’t lose sleep over it now but it’s still one of those things where it was there for the taking almost. A great opportunity. But that is the way it goes.
“(Psychologist) Steve Peters was always telling me, life is not fair, you don’t always get what you deserve at that moment. It just happened and it was super frustrating. Obviously I’d love to put that right here on Saturday.”
This is now a fashion blog.
The rings are shining bright.
What a cracking start to the tournament for Australia against Argentina.
From PA: Visually-impaired judo star Chris Skelley says the sport provided the “one shining light” in his life during the devastating deterioration of his eyesight.
World number one Skelley is preparing for his second shot at a Paralympic medal, having been named in Great Britain’s four-man judo squad for Tokyo after narrowly missing out on a podium place at Rio 2016.
He has lived with genetic condition ocular albinism since birth but a decline in his vision at the age of 17 forced him to abandon a potential career as a mechanic.
Around a decade on, the 27-year-old, who now requires sunglasses, special lenses and is learning to use a cane, admits discovering his love of the Japanese martial art helped him overcome the distressing news.
“It was a very tough, dark period in my life to have everything taken away from you, out of your hands,” he told the PA news agency. “It wasn’t an easy experience to have, there were a lot of tears, a lot of question marks, not understanding what happened to me, and the one shining light in my life, the one star in a very dark period in my life, was judo.
“I think judo for me was a release, an experience where I could just go and forget what was happening in the outside world. I escaped in that world.
“I also had amazing support; amazing club coaches, they really helped me, and amazing family as well. If I didn’t have them, I think I would be in a very different position.
“It’s very tough but there are other people who are struggling more out there and you’ve just got to be grateful for what you’ve got and just live your life as best as possible.”
Right, I’m away for some scran. Will Unwin will chat you through the next hour.
And because it just came to mind, here’s one of my all-time favourite Olympic performances.
Is Simone Biles better at gymnastics than any human has ever been at anything?
little did you know OG means Olympic Grandma’s pic.twitter.com/1eu2ANttaw
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 22, 2021
Not to be forgotten: Argentina, Olympic champions in 2004 and 2008, were beaten 2-0 by Australia earlier today. Also in that group, Spain drew 0-0 with Egypt.
Remember those days of highlighting things in the daily telly listings? Well you might want to get out your virtual Stabilo Boss for this.
Leroy Rosenior was on co-comms for Eurosport. I’ll never not picture him in this legendary kit.
Brazil beat Germany 4-2!
They join Côte d’Ivoire at the top of Group D, Côte d’Ivoire having beaten Saudi 2-1 earlier.
Brazil could’ve scored three or four just in injury-time, and Leverkusen’s Paulinho has just stepped inside Germany’s Torunarigha to hammer a fine finish into the top corner for 4-2.
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Brazil have done a pretty good job of keeping Germany away from their goal and we’re now in the second of five additional minutes.
"It's Amiri with the goal, it's a mare from the goalkeeper." 😬
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 22, 2021
Germany have a goal back through Amiri whose shot creeps past the Brazilian goalkeeper Santos.
Watch live on @BBCiPlayer, red button and the @BBCSport app ➡️ https://t.co/TKG7fVRAL5#bbcolympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/2vUUNUK6sh
Now then! Ake has just nodded home a fine header for Germany, and with seven minutes left it’s 3-2! This would be one of the great robberies because Brazil could’ve scored 57 and, let’s not forget, Germany are down to 10.
Simply brilliant from Richarlison 👏
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 22, 2021
It's taken him less than half an hour to register a hattrick! 😳
Watch live on @BBCiPlayer, red button and the @BBCSport app ➡️ https://t.co/TKG7fVRAL5#bbcolympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/OGOh53iNGi
Richarlison in the first 30 minutes vs. Germany:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2021
13 touches
5 shots
4 shots on target
3 goals
1 accurate pass
Insane. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/H9Na5lfkf2
Yup, this Brazil-Germany game is over, the only question whether a beating grows into a thrashing. I dare say David Luiz has some thoughts on the matter.
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Romania have beaten Honduras 1-0. They join New Zealand at the top of what looks like by far the weakest group; NZ beat South Korea earlier.
Meanwhile, Germany’s effort to get something off Brazil lasted roughly five minutes; Max Arnold has been sent off for a second bookable offence, extending a leg to trip Antony and causing a clash of knees. It looked a right sair yin one for both, so we had a few minutes with him lying on the floor in agony, knowing that as soon as he could get up, he was walking off. Both men are fine now, so we can enjoy a #lovelystuff.
Japan beat South Africa 1-0!
Takefusa Kubo’s lovely finish is enough, and they join Mexico at the top of Group A with three points.
“Richarlison is a streaky finisher,” tweets Gary Naylor. “Sometimes it looks like he can’t miss; sometimes it looks like he can’t score. Five games on; ten games off. He always works hard, but could do with some exercises to lower the heart rate in front of goal.”
Yes, with any attacker, ultimately they’ll be defined by their numbers, and his aren’t good enough. But I’m sure he’s got the ability to improve them by a lot.
Germany have pulled a goal back courtesy of some hilariously bad goalkeeping from Santos, who palmed in Amiri’s speculative shot. If they can find another, we’ve suddenly got waselves a ball-game. They trail Brazil 3-1.
If you’ve not heard the name JuVaughn Harrison, you soon will – he’s competing for USA in both long jump and high jump. I know! Learn more about him – and lots of other things – here.
Brazil and Germany are away again.
Antony's assist for Richarlison's first goal 🥰pic.twitter.com/Pd6Mp2s2gL
— Goal (@goal) July 22, 2021
Another lovely goal, this time from Japan! Kubo takes the ball on the right side of the box, nips inside, and lashes a left-footer into the bottom corner! They lead SA 1-0 with 18 minutes to go.
I should say, the games now in progress are the last action for today.
Japan and South Africa is still 0-0, while Romania still lead Honduras 1-0; those games are halfway through the second half.
Australia beat Argentina 2-0!
They now top men’s Group C, with three points; Egypt and Spain have one each, while Argentina have none.
Oh dear. Dani Ceballos went off injured in Spain’s draw with Egypt, and his ankle is in a bad way.
Plus side, this kit is exceedingly smart. But Brazil have just missed yet another chance, and this could easily be 7-1, and it’s only half-time.
Cunha takes it himself, hitting pretty hard to the keeper’s right, but it’s a nice height and Muller makes a really good save. Germany still trail 3-0.
Gosh, I think I’ve just seen the worst penalty award of all-time. Dani Alves crossed into the box, Cunha headed into the arm of Heinrichs, who was looking the other way, and the ref pointed to the spot. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour.
“Well-taken hat-trick by Richarlison,” tweets @Mysteron_Voice, “and he very probably should have had at least another couple. But is there a football equivalent to cricket’s ‘flat track bully’?”
Er, I guess the term has been adopted for use in all sports – people still say it about Cristiano Ronaldo, for example – but Richarlison is an interesting one. He looks to have a lot of what you need to be a serious player – hopefully he gets there. At 24, he’s not got loads more time.
WHAT A GOAL! Marco Tilio has just swept an outswinger into the far corner – think Beckham v Arsenal in 1999 – with his second touch since coming on, his first setting the move away. Australia now lead Argentina, who are down to 10, 2-0 with just 10 minutes left.
Dani Alves nearly scores a fourth for Brazil, and in commentary, Leroy Rosenior notes that he’s never seen a German side defend so badly.
Richarlison has a hat-trick! With a lovely finish too, bent low into the far corner. Thirty minutes gone, not bad – though the goals came in a 23-minute period.
Richarlison has scored again, so Brazil now lead Germany 2-0. I was watching Australia-Argentina, but have now moved to this game.
Aw again!
Here's the 2038 Japanese version of Federer and Djokovic. pic.twitter.com/lLVStX78IT
— NOVAK FAN CANADA🇨🇴🇨🇦 -Danielovic- (@NovakCanada) July 21, 2021
Back in the football, Oliva has scored in first-half injury-time to put Romania in front against Honduras.
Talking of which, mazal tov and what a syoot. Both are playing in Tokyo.
Let the journey begin 🥰 @Gael_Monfils pic.twitter.com/j2wvZwuHXm
— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) July 17, 2021
Looking at the tennis draws, in the men’s singles, Rublev v Nishikori should be a belter, likewise Hurkacz v Fucsovics. Meantime in the women’s, we’ve got Barty v Sorribes Tormo and in doubles, Muguruza/Suarez Navarro v Mertens/Van Uytvanck looks like one to catch.
Miserable. Let’s hope sport soon takes over.
Japan v South Africa and Honduras v Romania are still goalless but Richarlison has put Brazil ahead against Germany.
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Back to the football, Australia and Argentina are underway again and within 30 seconds, Australia – who’ve been much the better side – have hit the bar, courtesy of Mitch Duke’s terrific chip. Brazil and Germany have also got going in their game.
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Not strictly Olympics, but relevant nevertheless.
To hear we had a peak audience of 1.6 MILLION people is mind blowing! So many people have worked very hard to make that happen and as female athletes we couldn’t be prouder to be part of it 🙌🏼
— Kate Cross (@katecross16) July 22, 2021
Of one thing we can probably be certain: there’ll be no satire as biting as Danny Boyle’s depiction of two to a hospital bed.
No one really has a clue what tomorrow’s opening ceremony will bring, so here’s Simon Burnton on the subject.
Diddle-dee-dee-dee...
Brilliant sport means brilliant writing. Make sure you miss none of either by signing up for this.
Anyway, the half-time whistle has just gone, and Australia still lead 1-0.
You’ve got to love Argentina. Francisco Ortega has just been sent off for two bookings, in two minutes; the first was fair enough – he was caught out so rescued himself with a foul – but the second he achieved after jostling at a corner. So far, the Olympic refereeing is the inverse of the Euro refereeing, and that’s not a good thing.
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Murray’s first-round draw against Felix Auger-Aliassime is brutal – the Canadian is a blue-chip talent who stagnated for a couple of years, but might now be finding himself. His second serve, though, still needs a lot of work, so there’s scope to attack him; other hand, Murray has made a career out of outlasting opponents, and Felix is perhaps the best mover and athlete ever to play the game.
Two more men’s football matches are underway: in Tokyo, Japan are playing South Africa, while in Kashima it’s Honduras v Romania. Japan and SA are in Group A with Mexico and France, the former having beaten the latter 4-1 earlier, while Honduras and Romania are in Group B with New Zealand and South Korea, the former having beaten the latter 1-0 earlier.
Colin is, though, a great name for a dachshund.
Here’s the first column written by my colleague – ! – Catherine Dubois. Telling someone your name is Colin when it isn’t is a tremendous thing to have done.
Also in the Brazil squad we’ve got Malcolm, Martinelli, Antony, Richarlison, Reinier – I’m excited to see him – and Bruno Guimares.
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Brazil’s men’s squad looks pretty tasty, most notably because it’s captained by Dani Alves. I’ve lost count of the how many times the full-back position has been reinvented in the precise way he reinvented it since he reinvented it. I’m not sure there’s any other player who’s so obviously the best we’ve ever seen in their position.
Lachlan Wales has put Australia 1-0 up on Argentina.
What a player this freak of nature is – to dominate games at 18 is absolutely ludicrous. I can’t think of many others who did – Cesc Fábregas, Ryan Giggs maybe. Oh, and though I didn’t see him, Duncan Edwards. But it’s a short list.
Aw!
Not national baby #Olympics trials in the Caribbean 🥺♥️ pic.twitter.com/3K2X2cBEz1
— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) July 20, 2021
Alexis Mac Allister, of Brighton fame, is playing for Argentina, while Daniel Arzani, on Man City’s books and now on loan with Aarhus, is repping for the Aussies.
No sooner over than away again. Argentina and Australia, who make up Group C with Egypt and Spain - they drew 0-0 earlier – have just kicked off at the Sapporo Dome.
Guinea have withdrawn from the Games
Sanoussy Bantama Sow, the sports minister, blamed a “resurgence of Covid-19 variants”, but there are also reports of financial issues that mean the government cannot afford to send its five athletes – wrestler Fatoumata Yarie Camara, judoka Mamadou Samba Bah, swimmers Fatoumata Lamarana Toure and Mamadou Tahirou Bah and sprinter Aissata Deen Conte. Ach.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Idrissa Doumbia has been sent-off in the eighth minute of the five minutes of injury-time for a minor shove in a minor melee. But his team have hung on to beat Saudi 2-1.
Remember the name: this is Banda. You’ll be seeing and hearing much more of her.
The other two teams, in what looks like a tough Group D, are Brazil and Germany – they kick-off in just over an hour.
Saudi have hit the bar in pursuit of an equaliser, but still trail 2-1 with three minutes of injury-time remaining.
I absolutely love the vividness of this kit – a much better rendition of orange than the Netherlands version I’d say – with lovely simple, deep green to complement.
Netherlands obviously have a ridiculous attack, perhaps the best in the competition, but their defending yesterday was not good – they played a high line without much pressure on the ball. I’m sure they’ll improve, but they looked vulnerable.
Check her out here – and, of course, the also brilliant Lieke Martens, Danielle van de Donk and Vivianne Miedema.
Tell you what, I think we’ve already unearthed the Games’ first star. In the women’s football yesterday, Netherlands edged Zambia 10-3, but all Zambia’s goals were scored by their captain, Barbra Banda in an absolutely brilliant display during which she somehow played both right and left-wing. She currently plays for Shanghai Shengli, but I’d be shocked if there weren’t various clubs searching down the back of the sofa for whatever it’d take to sign her.
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There’s also been some softball – not played on Clapham Common by City lawyers – in which Japan, USA and Canada have beaten Australia, Italy and Mexico respectively.
I say “last season”, but are the Olympics part of next? Or do they exist in a liminal zone between the two?
As Will mentioned below, today we’ve got men’s football dominating the live action with Côte d’Ivoire leading Saudi Arabia 2-1 after 75 minutes. Franck Kessie, who played so well when AC Milan visited Old Trafford last season, scored the goal that put them ahead, and Amad Diallo, who notched United’s goal in that game, is now his teammate.
Thanks Will and hi everyone. It was a long, tough week post-Euros and Wimbledon, but with the help of the cricket we made it through, and working day sport is back redeeming us.
I am off to find a big fan to cool me down. Daniel Harris will replace me.
Mexico have beaten a pretty underwhelming France 4-1.
Despite no spectators being allowed at the Olympics, the Australian softball team have snuck one in.
Reuters report: Skippy, an inflatable kangaroo about one metre tall, has travelled with the national team since 2009 and Australian left fielder Jade Wall explained his importance after she drove in the lone run in Australia’s 1-0 win over Italy on Thursday.
“He loves coming to train, loves coming to the games, everywhere we go,” Wall told a news conference. “We want to bring entertainment on the field, and he brings the entertainment off the field.”
Australia is home to millions of kangaroos.
“It can be quite a serious game and have a look at Skip and you can put on a smile and get back out there,” Wall said.
Australia have been in Japan since June 1, most of the time near bustling Tokyo.
Wall said Skippy preferred being near the mountains and woods of Fukushima, where the first two days of softball competition were held, even though he has not been able to enjoy the Fukushima specialty peaches given out by the bowlful to the Olympic teams.
This is history.
In the first team games of the day, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia drew 1-1, while Egypt v Spain ended goalless.
Mallory Franklin says falling from her canoe and into the Tokyo waters is like taking a warm bath, a sign of the high temperatures in Japan.
The mercury could surpass 30C in the first week of the Games, with humidity making matters worse for athletes. Franklin, who will compete in the women’s C1, practised at the Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre on Thursday. She thinks those in the water could be as badly impacted by the weather as those on dry land.
“The hardest thing is in the afternoon when the water has warmed up and falling in is like being in a bathtub,” she said. “You would think it would be nice and refreshing but it is actually worse. It is better to be the right way up.”
As the echo at the football reminds us, these Games are being played behind closed doors.
Do you not need to wait until after the Olympics to get the tattoo?
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A little from Reuters on an unvaccinated American swimmer toeing the line in Tokyo:
A US Olympic swimming gold medal prospect who declined a coronavirus vaccine has been strictly complying with health protocols while in Japan, as part of a team that is taking the measures seriously, a senior official said on Thursday.
Michael Andrew has been widely criticised on social media in recent weeks after he opted out of the vaccine over concern about how he might react to it so close to the Tokyo Olympics, which start on Friday.
Andrew has called it an educated decision and insisted he was not anti-vax. Dave Durden, head coach for the US men’s team, said he was happy with Andrew’s preparations and the way he and teammates had conducted themselves.
“I feel very comfortable about what he’s doing, where he’s at, how he’s operating. You know even, even in a situation like today, he was over at the pool with very minimal people,” Durden told reporters.
“We’re looking at a couple things now as coaches, trying to swim fast, that’s our utmost priority for him, continuing to have him feel safe too and have the athletes around and feel safe, feel good about what we’re doing with our precautions.
“It is a team thing, that we’re really supporting each other, and Michael is no different in that regard.”
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Mexico have been the better ream against France and rightly have a two-goal lead in their Olympics opener. The French defence has been ropey at best.
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This Olympics is going to be very different ...
I am backtracking now I’ve heard the co-commentator again. I do not think that is Leroy Rosenior. I am so confused. I blame the heat.
Not everyone will be excited about skateboarding being part of the Olympics but it does allow cracking photos likes this.
I think Jonathan Dugdale might very well be right and this is the world feed commentary. “Dunno about iPlayer but Eurosport co-commentator seems to be Leroy Rosenior,” says Johnathan. That sounds about right to me.
There are currently four football matches taking place in the Olympics. Not one has seen a goal yet. The Mexico v France game has been good fun, though, to be fair.
The Tokyo 2020 vetting process has been poor.
Following a conversation with a colleague in Australia, I am not looking at the silliest nicknames for Australian sports teams. The Olympics team is known as the Olyroos, which is pretty bad. The bowls team is named the Jackaroos, while the Fed Cup tennis squad is called the Cockatoos.
U-turn on banning images of athletes taking knee on social media
The IOC and Toyko 2020 organisers are doing their best impression of the UK government with a U-turn within 24 hours. As with all these things, the original decision was utterly stupid.
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Mexico v France is incredibly physical and aggressive. Due to the fact the stadium is empty, you can really hear every tackle and foul, including the reaction. The referee is in for a tricky 90 minutes.
The Team GB flag bearers have been announced.
I have no idea who the co-commentator is on Mexico v France, currently being shown on BBC iPlayer. If someone could tell me, that would be great.
No one cheers you up more than your own children. Andy Murray needed a chat with his daughter following his defeat to Denis Shapovalov at Wimbledon to keep his chin up. The father of four children under the age of five is at the Olympics hoping to win another medal.
“I was very disappointed after Wimbledon. With each major tournament that passes, or again here, when I’m getting asked questions, a lot of it is always about my future. And also, when I haven’t performed as well as I’d like to, you question things, doubt yourself a little bit.
“When I got home the day after my match, my daughter said to me, ‘Daddy you’re home because you lost another tennis match’. I said to her, ‘Yes I did but what do you do when you lose at something?’
“And she said, ‘You try and try again’. And I was like, ‘Yes, that’s what I want to do’. I want to keep playing because I enjoy it. I still think I can play at a high level.
“There’s been difficult moments obviously in the last few months and the last year with the injuries and stuff but right now this is the healthiest I’ve been for the longest period in the last year.
“I’ve got to practise way more than I had been in the build-up to the grass and Wimbledon and everything so I’m getting better. Hopefully it stays that way through to the end of the year.”
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Ben Ryan on the legendary Zatopek.
Although the opening ceremony is tomorrow, there is already a few things going on in Japan. In addition to the football, the softball is well under way.
Reuters report:
Hosts Japan earned an extra-innings victory against Mexico on their ace’s 39th birthday and the second day of softball at the Tokyo Games, joining United States at 2-0 in the standings. Australia later on Thursday defeated Italy, who dropped to 0-2 and have yet to score a run in the tournament.
Mexico twice tied Japan, including in the seventh inning when a dropped ball by Japan’s center fielder let in a run and kept their ace Yukiko Ueno from a complete game and second-straight winning start.
Japan reliever Miu Goto escaped loaded bases in the top of the eighth, leaving her team mate Mana Atsumi to drive in Eri Yamada, who started at second base under extra-innings rules, for a 3-2 walkoff win.
Goto said wanting to deliver Ueno a birthday win helped in shutting down Mexico, and slugger Yamato Fujita described a homer she hit as a present for Ueno.
There is a shedload of stuff for you to read today, as the Olympics are very nearly upon.
Russia are here (sort of)
Japan’s great hopes.
Hello!
There are eight games of football happening today in Japan as the men’s competition gets going. There are a decent amount of players who appeared at the Euros in Spain’s squad, which shows it is being taken very seriously by some, even those many nations have ignored it down the years.
Elsewhere eyes will be on Covid, with the number of athletes testing positive increasing by the day, causing plenty of concern for organisers who are ploughing on regardless. The opening ceremony takes place on Friday, so the hosts will be hoping for no more controversy or high-profile dropouts.
Let’s see what becomes of the day.
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