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The Tokyo Olympics' men's football tournament is set to begin on July 22, and the anticipation is high.
The likes of Spain, Brazil, France, Germany and Ivory Coast will compete in the competition, and managers have already announced their squads. Some big names are set to represent their respective nations at the Tokyo Olympics, and fans are eagerly waiting to watch more football.
Brazil won the gold medal in 2016, with Germany finishing as the runner-up. With Japan and Spain announcing strong squads for the Tokyo Olympics, the level of the competition is expected to be high.
We rank the 5 favourites to win the football gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
#5 Argentina
Argentina have named a fairly inexperienced squad for the Tokyo Olympics, with Cadiz goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma the only over-aged player in the squad.
Having said that, Argentina do not lack quality. They boast of Argentina internationals like CSKA Moscow striker Adolfo Gaich and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, while players like Spartak Moscow midfielder Ezequiel Ponce and Lens left-back Facundo Medina are capable of causing problems.
Fernando Batista's men will be hoping to emulate the class of 2008, when the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi won the gold medal.
#4 Japan
The home nation has named a strong squad for the Tokyo Olympics, and will be keen to make an impact at the tournament.
Sampdoria centre-back Maya Yoshida, Urawa Red Diamonds right-back Hiroki Sakai and Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo are the three over-aged players.
Bologna right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, linked heavily with Tottenham Hotspur recently, and PSV Eindhoven forward Ritsu Doan have been included as well.
Japan have some talented young players coming up, with the likes of Tomiyasu, Doan and Takefusa Kubo all highly rated. Hajime Moriyasu's side are a good mixture of youth and experience.
#3 France
France had a few issues with clubs refusing to let go of their players, and as a result, they announced a completely new squad a few days ago.
World Cup winner Florian Thauvin has been named in the squad, having recently joined Tigres UANL on a free transfer. His clubmate Andre-Pierre Gignac has been included as well, with the over-age player quota rounded off by Montpellier midfielder Teji Savanier.
France's immense talent across various age groups is well known. This is reflected in their Tokyo Olympics squad, with AC Milan defender Pierre Kalulu, Hertha Berlin midfielder Lucas Tousart and Paris Saint-Germain defender Timothee Pembele all named. After a disappointing Euro 2020 tournament, French fans will be hoping for a stronger performance by their nation at the Tokyo Olympics.
#2 Brazil
The biggest name in the Tokyo Olympics' men's football tournament is a part of the Brazil squad.
Dani Alves has been named by manager Andre Jardine in Brazil's 22-man squad for the Olympics. The veteran right-back, regarded as one of the greatest to have played the game, will surely start each and every game for his nation at the competition.
Alongside Alves, Everton's Richarlison, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Sevilla's Diego Carlos have been included. Brazil have announced an enviable squad and will be among the favourites to win the gold medal.
#1 Spain
Spain have arguably named the best squad in the competition, with quality in every position.
The likes of Unai Simon, Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pau Torres, Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia all played crucial roles at Euro 2020, as Spain reached the semi-finals of the tournament. Pedri, in particular, was sensational and was named in the team of the tournament.
Complemeting these players are names like Dani Ceballos, Oscar Mingueza and Marco Asensio. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has a lot of options and La Furia Roja have what it takes to succeed at the Tokyo Olympics.
Also Read: 5 best footballers taking part at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
