Men's soccer a wide open event

BEIJING, July 25 (UPI) -- Soccer

Gold medals to be awarded: 2

Dates of competition: Aug. 6-23

The most popular sport in the world doesn't include all of the best players in the world at the Olympics but there is plenty of soccer talent to watch.

Beginning in 1992, any professional under the age of 23 was eligible to compete in the Games. In 1996, the rules were changed so that each participating country could put three players over the age of 23 on their teams.

It has been 16 years since a men's team from Europe has won the Olympic soccer gold medal. The last three Olympic tournaments have been captured by Nigeria, Cameroon and Argentina. All three will be on hand in China, as will current World Cup champion Italy and traditional powerhouse Brazil.

The American women will try to win their third Olympic title in four tries but their hopes were reduced a month prior to the Games when star striker Abby Wambach suffered a broken leg.

In 22 matches in 2008, the American women have allowed just 11 goals.