Let the Games Begin (Two Days Early)

It's currently morning in Beijing, Aug. 6, 2008. That means the first day of the 2008 Summer Games is all set to begin.

Now, wait, aren't the opening ceremonies Friday? Well, yeah, they are, but the football (soccer) gods have deemed the sport so amazing that it gets to start before the official start date of these Games.

And the women kick it off today with all 12 nations in competition tonight (early tomorrow morning). The men kick off tomorrow.

In the world of women's soccer, there are always interesting matchups and today's openers are no exception.

The United States' hardest test of the group stage comes first, with No. 5 Norway. Of course, it will be the first real competition for the No. 1 Americans since losing their best player in Abby Wambach. Heather Mitts is also back for Team USA and Grant Wahl of SI.com has written this awesome story. After that, it's a cake walk for Team USA all the way into the quarterfinals.

The most enticing matchup comes when Germany and Brasil meet on the pitch. FYI, they're the No. 2 and No. 4 teams in the world. And, FYI, it's a rematch of last year's World Cup final.

And China's biggest test of the group stage comes early also, as the Forceful Roses take on Sweden.

Here are predictions for today's games (note: I don't know if I can do this for the whole tournament, but I'll try).

Group A
Canada over Argentina, 1-0
China over Sweden, 3-2 (upset special)

Group B
Brasil over Germany, 3-2
Korea over Nigeria, 2-0

Group C
Japan over New Zealand, 1-0
USA over Norway, 2-1