2012 OLYMPICS.

 WOMEN FOOTBALL KICKS OFF.

Women’s football kicks off the London 2012 Olympics on Wednesday, two days before the official start of games, even as athletes pour into the country and organisers put the final touches on the opening ceremony.

OLYMPIC GAMES.

The referee’s whistle at 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) will start not only Great Britain and New Zealand’s clash at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, but will open a 19-day festival of sport that will be watched by billions around the globe.
In Coventry, world champions, Japan open their bid for a famous double when they take on Canada, while heavyweights United States play France at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
Brazil will play Cameroon, Sweden face South Africa and Colombia are up against North Korea, as the battle begins for a Games-wide total of 302 gold medals.
“It puts women’s football out there, puts it on the map, and hopefully will showcase the sport,” British coach Powell told the press, when asked about opening the Games.
“It’s our first time as Team GB and you will be nervous, but I’m sure they will rise to the occasion.”
Heathrow Airport is expecting another 3,700 athletes, coaches officials and media personnel on Wednesday, as competitors fill up the athletes village at sprawling Olympic Park, built on a disused industrial site in east London.

Meanwhile 'Slumdog Millionaire' director, Danny Boyle, will lead a team of 10,000 participants in the full dress rehearsal for Friday’s highly anticipated opening ceremony.