FIFA warns European clubs to play the Olympic game

Defending champions Nigeria drew Italy, Australia and Honduras, who surprisingly eliminated Mexico on their way to Sydney, in their preliminary pool. Australia coach Raoul Blanco said Honduras should not be underestimated. "They eliminated Mexico to qualify. I think they could be a pleasant surprise to many people," he said.

South Korea, Spain, Morocco and Chile were drawn in Pool B, with Pool C containing the United States, the Czech Republic, Cameroon and Kuwait. Brazil, Slovakia, South Africa and Japan make up Pool D. The first two in each pool qualify for the quarter-finals. Women’s world champions the United States drew China, whom they beat in last year’s World Cup final, world No 3 Norway and Nigeria in a tough preliminary pool. Australia, Germany, Sweden and Brazil make up the other pool.

The first two in each pool qualify for the semi-finals. FIFA spokesman Keith Cooper said an inspection of the facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide had shown them to be up to scratch. "The Olympic stadium is just breathtaking, it’s one of the finest stadiums you would find anywhere in the world, if not the finest right now," he said.

But he was worried about the pitches "The grass is not that great everywhere," he said. "But with a bit of tender loving care these playing surfaces, I’m absolutely convinced, will be up to the standard that we need."