BEIJING -- Excitement is mounting here in Beijing ahead of the games of the 29th Olympiad, although those of a soccer persuasion will not make their way to China's capital city until well into the first week of competition.
Although the men's and women's tournaments kick off before the official opening ceremony, the early group games will be played outside Beijing. Indeed, a number of participating nations will not play here unless they progress to the knockout stages. The U.S. women are one, although the U.S. men will be here on Aug. 13 to play Nigeria.
When teams do reach Beijing, they are likely to experience at firsthand some of the air quality issues that have so dominated the news wires in recent weeks. There is no doubt that smog is an-almost daily occurrence, with visibility limited to only several hundred meters at times.
One of the effects of the pollution is a consistently oppressive level of humidity which is debilitating even in day-to-day activity and, thus, likely to be a major issue for endurance performers, including soccer players. During the day, upwards of 80-degree humidity is common, with temperatures rarely dipping below 85 degrees.
The American cycling team made headlines on Tuesday when they arrived in Beijing wearing face masks to combat the pollution. Peter Nowak and Pia Sundhage's squads are unlikely to replicate those precautionary measures but the conditions as a whole will dictate that possession will be key when the games begin.
High-tempo play will be almost impossible to sustain for even the fittest of sides, especially given the short space of time during which the soccer tournament will be played, a factor that also makes a deep squad a must for any would-be medalists.
Given these factors, the displays of Nowak's men in their warm-up matches have thrown up mixed messages. As I suspected, a defensive back line that was viewed as suspect when the squad was named has been better than advertised, with the ball-playing ability of Michael Parkhurst to the fore.
At the other end, however, there has been little offensive output, as Brian McBride and Jozy Altidore have taken time to regain their match fitness and sharpness following a lengthy spell of inactivity. Charlie Davies has been in great form for Hammarby but the former Boston College man must now make the step up to perform on the international stage.
Super Revs take Liga crown
The 12-hour time difference between China and the East Coast meant that I watched the final of SuperLiga whilst eating breakfast. It was certainly worth getting out of bed for, as New England and Houston served up a feast of soccer that put the beautiful game back in focus after two weeks during which barging and bonuses have been the dominant discussion points.
There were no scuffles during the final, nor was there any indication that either side was taking it easy because they weren't happy about the prize money. Thank goodness. Frankly, whilst I have sympathy for the players' claim that they are not being adequately rewarded for their exertions, the discussion was overshadowing what has been a very interesting tournament to watch.
The best team throughout the whole tournament has been crowned its champion and, with the confidence of a) beating Houston in a final and b) winning a clutch penalty shootout having twice come from behind, New England are now set to challenge for three more trophies.
It seems that no matter who is absent -- Michael Parkhurst and Jay Heaps both missed the final while Taylor Twellman looked half-fit at best -- Steve Nicol's side continue to answer every challenge they face.
Despite a five-week hiatus from MLS, the Revs remain on top in the East, meaning they can continue to focus on cup competitions, safe in the knowledge that, barring an almighty collapse, their postseason spot is virtually guaranteed already.
Andrew Hush
