Argentina. They dominated at the U-20 World Cup finals. If they bring the code of the team, they should dominate again in the U-23 level. They brought a strong team to Atlanta. They missed out at Sydney. They also did poorly at WC. So they might want to make it up in Athens. Besides, Argentina does not win many medals. Their Olympic committee might want to win the soccer medal.
The USA will be formidable and will be looking to medal, no doubt. All of our U-23s have professional experience and US World Cup stars, Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley will be there. Also, a fair number have appeared on with the full national side. Notables will be Bobby Convey, Santino Quaranta, Kyle Martino, Ricardo Clark, Edson Buddle, Brad Davis, Kelly Gray, Kyle Beckerman, among many others. Heck, throw in Freddy Adu! I anticipate a strong and creative attacking United States squad that can and will compete against any nation's team for the Gold.
If England wanted the gold I believe it could have it. Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney could be on their Olympic team, if not for the stir their clubs would make. That said, the strike force of Rooney and Owen would be tough to stop.
watch out for portugal viana, quaresma, postiga, tiago, maniche, Ronaldo,Neca, Jorge Ribeiro, Bosingwa, watch out!!
.....and if we enter a GB team at the Olympics then we may have to compete as GB in UEFA/FIFA events. And there is no fucking way we are sharing our national team with the Jocks.
I'm sure they aren't keen on being represented by ten Englishmen and Ryan Giggs, either. (Although you could make a case for Rob Douglas over any English goalkeeper at the moment.)
The only problem is their consistency. One day they're demolishing the hell out of Germany (4-0 win), the next day they're having trouble putting a goal in against Myanmar (3-0 but all goals came in late 2H).
Spain will be looking very strong, except for perhaps the defense. Expect Portillo and Torres up front, Vicente, Xabi Alonso, Reyes, and Joaquin in midfield, and Casillas in goal.
Argentina Brazil w/Diego and Robinho--they'll be there IMHO. Brazil has never won an Olympic gold medal IIRC. Spain--always tough youth squads. Portugal--another golden generation? Viana is a badass 1 or 2 African sides 1 other South American team USA I did some research on the weather in Greece about the time of the Olympics. Holy ************, it's going to be hotter than Japorea when the Olympic games are played. Game time temps at night will be like 80-85 degrees with around 60% humidity unless a cold front blows in. That favors teams who can possess the ball, be economical, and play at a slower pace.