(C)Getty ImagesThe French national team, known as Les Bleus, boasts the most skillful roster at the Summer Games, along with the enthusiastic backing of an eager home audience.
In his characteristic manner, Thierry Henry passionately expressed the immense significance a gold medal at the Olympics would hold for France.
"If you don't come to such a tournament for the gold," he told the Olympics website, "there is no point coming."
Naturally, this sentiment may appear quite evident. Henry’s exceptional skills as a football player are not attained by possessing a disinterested attitude towards the sport. Elite athletes typically exhibit a strong sense of dedication and passion.
However, the Olympics soccer tournament continues to be perplexing – a strangely divisive event despite the undeniable honor of winning a gold medal, regardless of the sport. In this edition of the tournament, France appears to be the strongest contender to achieve this feat.
There are certainly several skilled teams participating, with the competition beginning in full swing on Wednesday. However, France, accompanied by countless enthusiastic fans, guided by a revered national icon, and backed by the most comprehensive team in the tournament, is highly likely to secure a medal that holds greater significance than what the football world might perceive.
