The young man with the scoring touch says it out loud for everyone to hear: It's a love affair. A love affair with football. A love affair with the ball.

"My dad always taught me that you need to have a special relationship with the ball. He told me that the ball is like the most jealous woman that has ever existed. If you don't treat her well, if you don't give her love, she will hurt you. You have to treat her well for her to help you," the 20-year-old Neymar said. "And I really love her."

Neymar says there is nothing he would rather do than spend time on the football field.

"When I'm playing, it's an incredible joy. It's what I love, it's what I like doing," he said. "That's why I always tweet before matches that I'm about to go do what I like doing the most."

With former stars Ronaldinho and Kaka past their prime, Neymar has become the player carrying Brazil's hopes for success in London at the Olympics and then at the World Cup at home.

He is seen as the future of Brazilian football, and the Olympics will give him a chance to prove that he can be the decisive player the entire country expects him to be.

"I've already told federation president (Jose Maria Marin) that I'll bring the gold back to Brazil," Neymar said.

The Olympic tournament is the only significant football competition Brazil has yet to win. The five-time World Cup champion won Olympic silver in 1984 and 1988, and bronze in 1996 and 2008.

"You have a chance to make history," FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote to Neymar on Twitter after the Olympic draw last month, earning a quick response from the joyful youngster.

"I've got it, prez," Neymar wrote.

Brazil will open against Egypt on July 26, and it will also play Belarus and New Zealand in Group C.

"I don't know a lot about our opponents, but we have to respect all of them because they all made it to the Olympics," Neymar said. "Hopefully we will be able to play well and advance."

Brazilians have their own love affair with Neymar, and the hype about the youngster has reached unprecedented levels in the South American nation.

Many say he has the potential to become the country's greatest player since Pele, who also starred for Brazilian club Santos. Pele himself is a fan, saying that he thinks Neymar will be better than Lionel Messi and "for sure" will be crowned the best player in the world in a few years.

"I'm obviously happy to be praised by someone like Pele," Neymar said. "But to me Messi is the best player in the world. There is also Cristiano Ronaldo and a few other names ahead of me right now."

Neymar was in the list of 23 players running for FIFA's Ballon d'Or player of the year award last year, and won FIFA's prize for the most beautiful goal in 2011.

"Without a doubt he is the greatest name in Brazilian football," former Brazil striker Romario said. "Neymar will be one of the stars of these Olympics Games."

Always smiling and sporting a Mohawk hairdo imitated by kids across the country, Neymar has become an idol on the field and a celebrity off of it. Everywhere you look and everywhere you go in Brazil there appears to be some sort of reference to him.

It might be in one of the dozens of television commercials or billboards by sponsors that make Neymar the best paid athlete in Brazil. Or in a television show talking about the new yacht he has just bought, or the YouTube clip showing him dancing around women in bikinis with a popular local music star.

On the field, Neymar is certainly making a case for himself with remarkable, record-setting performances.

Since he made his professional debut in 2009, he has led Santos to its greatest run since Pele stopped playing in the 1970s.

Neymar has helped the club win the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships. Santos made the final of the traditional Sao Paulo tournament four straight times, winning three in a row for the first time since the late 1960s.

With 108 goals, Neymar has already become Santos' leading scorer since the post-Pele era, and the 16th all-time.

"It's great to be able to be repeating the feats of great players like Pele," Neymar said. "I didn't expect these things to be happening to me so fast."

This year alone, Neymar has scored 27 goals in 25 matches, including four hat tricks.

"This has been the greatest year of my life," Neymar said after Santos routed Bolivar 8-0 in round-of-16 of the Copa Libertadores on May 10. "I'm incredibly happy to be playing in a team like this. I'm proud to be making history with this club."

Many Brazilian fans and local media wanted Neymar to be included in the squad for the 2010 World Cup, but his debut in the senior team came in Brazil's 2-0 win over the United States in a friendly match later that year, a game in which he scored. He has been summoned virtually every time since then and has scored eight goals in 16 matches with Brazil.

He was a starter when Brazil was eliminated by Paraguay in the quarter-finals of the Copa America in 2011, the first official competition in which he got a chance to play.

A lot more will be expected from him in his second significant competition, in London. Brazilian fans are hoping he will live up to all the hype, adding a sparkle to their affair with the youngster.

A gift in gold should do the job.

Rafael was called up because Alves broke his collarbone while practising with Barcelona earlier in the week.

Brazil will play Denmark on 26 May, the United States on 30 May, Mexico on 3 June and Argentina on 9 June.

The matches are part of Brazil's preparations for the Olympics, the only significant competition the five-time world champion is yet to win.

By picking the 21-year-old Rafael, Menezes leaves only five players older than 23 in the squad for the upcoming friendlies: David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Hulk and Jefferson.

The Olympic tournament is played with under-23 teams but each nation can use three over-age players.

Suggestions that he would get a place in the Team GB football squad because of glamour, newspaper sales or because he is a bigger commercial hitter is "a bit disrespectful", he said.

"Any time I have been asked about shirt sales and filling stadiums, I've never said it is disrespectful but it's the kind of question I have felt is," he said.

The 37-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder and former England skipper was a key member of London's winning bid to host the London 2012 Games and has always said he will fight for a place to compete at the Olympics.

He is proud of his career, proud of being part of the London bid and would be proud to play at the Olympics.

He said: "Throughout my career I've been pretty successful. I've played for some pretty big teams. I've played for my country quite a few times and for managers without sentiment.

"That's one of the things when you play for Sir Alex Ferguson, Fabio Capello and Sven Goran Eriksson, the managers I have played under - they don't pick players because they want to fill a stadium with people or to sell shirts.

"I'm very proud of the fact and I have always found it an honour that people want to buy my shirt, that fans turn up to watch the team I am playing in or to see myself. I've always found that a huge honour.

"No, I don't want to be picked on a shirt sale or a stadium filler. I want to be picked because of what I can bring to the team. It's a thing that has happened all the way through my career and I don't want that to change."

He feels he can bring experience and being a good team player to the squad.

Beckham said he has always been vocal about his desire to play at the Olympics and it is one of the reasons he has not retired so he is still available to play for his country.

Speaking in Athens after he took part in the official handover of the Olympic Flame to London, he said: "Everybody knows that I love representing my country.

"I have done that for quite a few years with the national team - 115 times - and I am very proud of that.

"It is one of the reasons I said I would probably not retire from the England team. I always want to be available - whether I get picked or not is a different story.

"I am very proud of my achievements for my country. I have not taken part in an Olympic Games but I would love to be part of the team.

"Fitness has never been a problem all the way through my career. If I am selected I would be in good condition."

Stuart Pearce, boss of the Olympic football team, was in Los Angeles a few weeks ago to see Beckham's form but there was no talk about selection.

Beckham said: "He knows what my fitness is like and he knows what my passion is like. We will see."

If anyone was in any doubt, Beckham stressed again: "I want to play. That's my only objective. Something that I have now is experience. I am 37 and I have experience of playing in big games and big competitions so that is one of the things I have always been able to bring to a team.

"When I was captain that was one of the things I was able to bring to the team, the confidence and the hard work that you need to win.

"Experience will be important because, when you have a team of young kids coming together for the Olympics for a short period of time, it is important to have that experience in there. But we have that in Stuart as well, he has played in big games so we are very lucky."

The highly-rated Uruguay international is desperate to be part of London 2012 but his employer has thus far been reticent in giving him the green light.

Cavani, who is linked with a northern summer move to one of Europe's top clubs, has indicated he would be ready to challenge the club should they attempt to block his inclusion.

"I want to go to the Olympics in London. I have already expressed my desire (to go) in public," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I have discussed the issue of the Olympic Games with the club's leadership and I made it clear that my major interest is to join the squad.

"I've tried to simplify the path, (but) I am willing to fight to get the Games."

The 32-year-old former Barcelona player had hoped to play a part in Brazil's bid for Olympic gold in London but has paid the price for his inconsistent recent form with club side Flamengo.

David Luiz of Chelsea, AC Milan's Thiago Silva, Daniel Alves of Barcelona, Marcelo of Real Madrid and Hulk of Porto are among the players named in coach Mano Menezes' 23-man squad for the Games, along with Santos starlet Neymar.

"Supporters need to understand that sometimes they think one man can be the solution to all of Brazilian football's problems and it does not work out like that," said Menezes.

"Now is the time to look at younger options."

Brazil's Olympic hopefuls will face Denmark at Hamburg in Germany on May 26, the United States on May 30, Mexico on June 3 and Argentina on June 9.

Menezes will then confirm his final 23-man squad on July 6 for the Olympics.

<b>Brazil squad:</b> Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Fiorentina), Rafael (Santos); Alex Sandro (Porto), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Danilo (Porto), Bruno Uvini (Tottenham), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Juan (Inter Milan); Casemiro (Sao Paulo), Romulo (Vasco da Gama), Sandro (Tottenham), Ganso (Santos), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Oscar (Internacional), Giuliano (Dnipro-UCR); Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Wellington Nem (Fluminense), Hulk (Porto).

Evans suffered the injury against Everton last month and Ferguson has now confirmed the 24-year-old requires surgery.

"Jonny is not available, he's getting an operation in the summer so he is out anyway," the Scot told MUTV.

In a telephone conversation with the FA the club ruled out Team GB coach Pearce picking Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Jonny Evans for the Olympic tournament at London 2012 as over-23 players.

According to a 2008 court ruling, clubs have the right to refuse to release players for the competition as it is not on the international calendar, but United is only taking that position on its over-age players.

Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could be part of the Olympic squad if they are not picked for the England Euro 2012 squad.

It can be revealed that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who said that striker Javier Hernandez will not be part of the Mexico Olympic team at the Games, will not stand in the way of Giggs being part of the Olympic squad as the 38-year-old has never played in a major international tournament.

Giggs has indicated he would accept an invitation - each squad is allowed three over-age players - so long as the Football Association of Wales did not oppose him doing so.

Sources there have confirmed that while they are politically opposed to a GB team, they would not prevent Giggs taking part.

An FA spokesman refused to confirm whether they had been contacted by United.

The prospect of a row, or even a legal battle, looks unlikely however, especially given United's acceptance that young players not involved in Euro 2012 plus Giggs can be selected.

In relation to Hernandez, who had initially been selected as an over-age player for Mexico, United said it had agreed with the Mexican FA that the striker, who turns 24 on June 1, have the full northern summer off.

Ferguson told the club's website: "His form last season was fantastic. He's found the second year more difficult, but a lot of that is down to not having a summer break for three years and playing every summer for his country.

"Next year he will be fine as we have agreed with the Mexican Football Association that he is going to get the requisite rest that he needs to perform in the Premier League."

But Hector Gonzalez Inarritu, Mexico's director of the national teams, said that Ferguson has denied permission for Hernandez to participate.

Inarritu told a press conference: "Alex Ferguson denied Javier Hernandez's participation in the Olympic games."

He contrasted that with Carlos Vela, the Arsenal striker who has been on loan at Real Sociedad, who had asked for personal reasons not to not be called to any of the national teams.

Hernandez, nicknamed Chicharito, will still be involved in Mexico's two World Cup qualifiers at the start of June.

In 2008, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Barcelona, Werder Bremen and Schalke did not have to release their players for the Beijing Olympics.

After an appeal by FIFA, the clubs allowed their players - including eventual gold medallist Lionel Messi - to appear in the tournament.

Hernandez, who turns 24 on June 1, had initially been called up for the Olympic tournament as one of Mexico's three over-age players and had even been suggested as a possible flag-bearer at the opening ceremony.

However, United has agreed with the Mexican FA he will have the full summer off instead.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's website: "His form last season was fantastic.

"He's found the second year more difficult, but a lot of that is down to not having a summer break for three years and playing every summer for his country.

"Next year he will be fine as we have agreed with the Mexican Football Association that he is going to get the requisite rest he needs to perform in the Premier League."

Hernandez, nicknamed Chicharito, will still be involved in Mexico's two World Cup qualifiers at the start of June.

So far, only 11,000 tickets have been sold for very first event of London 2012, the women's clash between Great Britain and New Zealand in Cardiff, two days before the opening ceremony of the Games.

There has been some successes however with 62,000 seats sold for the men's meeting between Team GB and Senegal at Manchester's Old Trafford stadium, and 73,000 tickets sold for the Great Britain men's clash at Wembley against United Arab Emirates.

A total of 61,000 tickets have been sold for Team GB women in total, plus more than 90,000 sold for matches at Coventry's stadium.

Robertson, whose comments are likely to infuriate the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish FAs who are even opposed to Team GB at the London Olympics, says the 2012 Games should be used 'as a launchpad' for British football teams at future Games.

Britain has not fielded a men's or women's football team at an Olympics since an amateur men's team played at the 1972 Games, and London 2012 had been viewed as a special occasion to allow the host to play.

Robertson told the Press Association: "I would always want to see Team GB put in a football team simply because it is a fantastic opportunity for a young man or woman to represent their country at an Olympic Games.

"I absolutely want to see us use this as a launchpad and have a Team GB football team at every single Games.

"I hope that as a result of having finally decided we can do this, we can get over the politics and it would be a really good legacy from London."

There are issues concerning Olympic qualification - currently the European Under-21 championship is used as a qualifying tournament and England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all play in it separately.

FIFA would have to agree to a Team GB taking up an Olympics place if, for example, England qualified.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have given their backing to the idea, however.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "I think that if it is done with consideration for the clubs and the schedules I think that is reasonable.

"I see no reason why it shouldn't happen. It's once every four years and is a good opportunity for young players to represent their country."

Neither the FA nor the Scottish FA would comment.

Britain's FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said playing in future Olympics would be 'impossible' under the current qualification system.

He told the Press Association: "To the best of my knowledge it was made abundantly clear that a Great Britain team would be playing soccer at London 2012 purely because the Games were being staged in this country.

"Qualification for the Olympic Games takes place at the European Under-21 championship finals but as the British associations play as four separate countries it would be impossible for one of these qualify under the current Olympic Games set-up."

The 36-year-old Beckham has been included in an 80-match shortlist which must be whittled down to 18 players as British footballers prepare to compete at the Olympics for the first time since 1960.

Beckham will have his chance to convince Pearce that he can fill one of the three squad places for players over the age of 23 when the coach watches the Galaxy's 2 May match at Seattle Sounders.

"David Beckham will be treated exactly the same as any other individual, whether it is young or over-age," Pearce said on Tuesday.

"Form and fitness will dictate what the make-up of the squad will be. I have a duty of care to the Great Britain squad to try and win a gold medal. I will pick the strongest possible squad I can.

"I will know a bit more when I go to the States to see what form (Beckham) is in."

The former England captain has expressed a desire to play at the London Games with his career in the England team effectively over.

The former captain made the last of his 115 appearances - the most for an England outfield player - in October 2009 and the Olympics would act as his farewell to international football.

"He's made the shortlist and he has been a great ambassador for this country and the Olympics," Pearce said.

"But that's no recommendation that he will get in the squad and that's fair and square across the board for all players."

The draw for the competition took place at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, with Britain to play its opening match against Senegal at Old Trafford on 26 July.

The host will also play the United Arab Emirates three days later at Wembley and Uruguay on 1 August at the Millennium Stadium.

Beckham's former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo helped to conduct the draw and has no doubts that the Galaxy player should play at the Olympics.

"He would guarantee quality," said the former Brazil forward, who won a bronze at the 1996 Olympics.

"Beckham is a real calm guy and a team player and despite his status and fame he is actually very humble. Never during my time at Real Madrid did I hear anyone complain about him, and he would help with the younger players.

"He's still playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy and only last week scored a beautiful goal from outside the box into the top corner, he really looks after himself so despite his age I really think he could contribute."

State news agency APS quoted federation president Augustin Senghor as saying the accounts were frozen by a court order on Monday, the same day Senegal beat Oman 2-0 in an Olympic play-off to be the last team to qualify for the London Games.

Traore, who was fired after Senegal's poor performance and first-round exit at this year's African Cup of Nations, is seeking compensation for salaries owed, leave allowances and redundancy payments.

APS said a court this month ordered the federation to pay Traore US$72,000 but it hasn't yet paid him, leading the court to freeze its finances.

While Senegal's Olympic body is expected to largely finance the trip to London, money problems at the football federation would hamper its build-up.

No immediate comment was available from the federation on Tuesday, but Senghor, who was in England to watch the team qualify, told APS it could take time to regain control of the accounts.

"We cannot do anything, we have outstanding checks and we cannot make any financial transaction," Senghor said, according to APS.

Senegal's senior team is still without a coach after Traore was removed in February after losing all three games at the Cup of Nations.

Former mentor Bruno Metsu, who led Senegal to the quarter-finals at the 2002 World Cup, is one of two candidates for the job, according to the federation. The other is fellow Frenchman and ex-Cameroon coach Pierre Lechantre.

Stuart Pearce's side will kick off the tournament against Senegal at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 27 (AEST), then play the UAE at Wembley on July 30 (AEST) and finish the group against Uruguay in Cardiff on August 2 (AEST).

Uruguay was viewed as the toughest opponent Team GB could have faced while Senegal qualified lafter beating Oman in a play-off at Coventry.

Uruguay and Senegal could both potentially call on some star players from the Premier League - Newcastle strike duo Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are from Senegal while Liverpool forward Luis Suarez is from Uruguay.

The men's teams are made up of under-23 players with three over-age players permitted per squad.

Spain, seeds in Group D, will play Japan in Glasgow on July 27 (AEST), Honduras at St James' Park, Newcastle on July 30 (AEST) and Morocco in Manchester on August 2 (AEST).

Brazil, seeded as the "all-time top Olympic performer" despite never winning the competition, and will be in Group C playing Egypt in Cardiff (July 27), Belarus in Manchester (July 30) and New Zealand in Newcastle (August 2).

Mexico, seeded as the highest-ranked country outside of Europe and South America, and will be in Group B playing Korea Republic in Newcastle (July 27), Gabon in Coventry (July 30) and Switzerland in Cardiff (August 2).

London 2012 Sebastian Coe said at the draw ceremony: "This is a unique opportunity for the UK to share in the Olympic Games and to share in the spirit of the Games and to say at the end of the process that 'I was there'. I am delighted this football tournament will play such a role in the Games."

Pearce revealed he would be travelling to the United States to see former England captain David Beckham, now with the Los Angeles Galaxy, but insisted there were no guarantees of inclusion to anyone - including Beckham.

He told BBC Sport: "(I will pick) solely on merit. It's the only way any manager picks a squad or a team and I will do exactly the same.

"I will know a bit more when I go to the States to see what form (Beckham) is in, he's made the shortlist and he has been a great ambassador for this country and the Olympics, but that's no recommendation that he will get in the squad and that's fair and square across the board for all players."

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe was adamant that Pearce would be free to pick his squad purely on sporting considerations, notwithstanding the obvious appeal of Beckham to spectators in this country and across the world.

He told BBC Sport: "This is absolutely for Stuart Pearce (to decide). He must pick the team on merit and whatever team Stuart picks will attract a lot of attention."

Asked if it was important that the squad should feature players from all four home nations, Coe added: "If possible that's important, but again (it must be) on merit. You don't select your teams on a quota basis, you select on merit."

On the draw itself, Pearce conceded it was difficult to judge how tough an opponent Uruguay for one could be, given the possibility that they could draft in high-quality over-age players such as Suarez, Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani.

Pearce added: "I wouldn't dismiss anyone in the group, with the addition of three over-age players it can really contribute to a strong side. It will be tough, it always is, that's tournament football. We'll be looking forward to it and I'm sure our boys who are representing Great Britain will be looking forward to a tough tournament, but an enjoyable one.

Women's coach Hope Powell was relishing the prospect of a clash with Brazil at Wembley. Great Britain has been drawn in Group E alongside the South Americans, plus New Zealand and Cameroon.

"(Brazil) will be a great game for us. They are undoubtedly the tough team in the group, they are always there or thereabouts in major tournaments. We know who we're up against now so it's all about the preparation."

The Great Britain women's team has the honour of kicking off the London 2012 Olympics when it takes on New Zealand in Cardiff on July 26, two days before the official opening ceremony. They then face Cameroon on July 29, again in Cardiff, before concluding its group campaign against Brazil.

Former Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez raised the prospect recently, claiming that he expected it to happen 'within a decade'.

Coach of the England women's team since 1998, Powell is the foremost manager among the female fraternity and was linked with the Grimsby Town job last year.

Powell has no idea where those rumours came from.

However, on the eye of discovering who her side will be paired with in the Olympic Games later this year, the 45-year-old feels the only barriers come from dubious club owners and the intense scrutiny that would attach itself to the first woman manager.

"I don't see why it couldn't happen," she said.

"The job is the same. It is about dealing with personalities and high-profile players, about the coaching and the psychology behind the game. That wouldn't be an issue.

"It is about people who own and run clubs feeling strongly and passionately enough, and believing that a female can do it.

"There would be a lot of focus on the first female. If they do well, it is a good thing, if they don't it would be 'I told you they can't do it'.

"It is not on-pitch stuff. It is the other side that would be a challenge."

Powell's longevity has made her one of the highest-profile figures in the women's game.

To some, she is lucky the FA has persevered with her given her relative lack of success would almost certainly have brought down a man in a similar situation.

Others, however, believe Powell has perfect coaching credentials and her laid-back manner gets the best from players who are still playing catch-up with counterparts in the United States.

"I work for the national team. I work with the best female players in the country, playing against the best players in the world. Why would I want to leave that?" she said.

"People are under the assumption that men's football is better than women's football. But is it all about money?

"It is about career opportunities and pathways.

"I don't know how the Grimsby story erupted and I am perfectly happy with what I can currently doing.

"It hasn't happened yet, but if someone made me an offer, I would consider it. I would be foolish not to."

Not that such matters have any relevance to Powell at the minute.

Once Tuesday's draw is over, she has to start putting a squad together.

Faced with the same arguments over the selection of non-English players - Scotland skipper Julie Fleeting has already asked not to be considered - Powell has come to a straightforward decision.

She will select the players and if they wish to withdraw, that is up to them.

"It is going to be a GB squad and I will pick the best players," she said.

"I have absolute authority to pick the players I want and have had people looking at all the countries.

"If, for whatever reason, they decide not to make themselves available, I can't do anything about that."

Yet the Football Association is not quite off the hook in these political arguments.

For, as Powell acknowledges, she was denied the chance to represent Britain as a player and a coach at previous Games because the FA refused to accept entry even though England had qualified.

And there has still been no word as to whether this northern summer's tournament marks a permanent change in that philosophy.

"I was just a player in '96 and didn't really know what was going on," she said.

"In 2007 we came third in Europe and qualified, but obviously there were political debates to which I wasn't privy.

"You want to be part of the Olympics, so it was disappointing. All the players felt the same. But there was this political thing going on, and so you had to accept it.

"What happens from now on, I couldn't say.

"We are in it now, we'll deal with whatever comes next afterwards."

Stuart Pearce will learn Britain's first three Olympic opponents at Wembley on Tuesday but still does not know whether he will be able to field a team that represents the whole United Kingdom.

Despite being one of the most established sports in the Games - Britain won the first two gold medals in 1908 and 1912 - it is also one of the most contentious.

Many do not believe the sport has any place within the Olympic showpiece at all and that it gets far too much global exposure already.

Barcelona was vexed enough four years ago to establish whether it was obliged to release Lionel Messi to play for Argentina and only this weekend Sir Alex Ferguson expressed his unease at the number of players Manchester United might lose immediately before the new Premier League season.

But all this is a mere side issue compared to the question of whether players from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will make it into Pearce's squad.

The respective governing bodies have already accepted they have no legal means of preventing it happening, and both the Football Association and British Olympic Association, who are responsible for putting the squad together, are keen for it to happen.

However, faced with the potential, however remote, of countries losing their rights as individual nations within FIFA, it remains to be seen whether the likes of Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy, Steven Fletcher and Chris Brunt, who have all made Pearce's 80-man provisional squad, actually accept an invitation if it is forthcoming.

FIFA has repeatedly reassured the fearful associations and Zhang Jilong, a FIFA executive committee member and current head of the Asian Football Confederation, said: "A British team will represent Great Britain in participating in the Olympic Games and combine as one team to show the quality of British football.

"FIFA is still working on that and we hope Great Britain will form one team to represent the great nation of Great Britain and participate in the Olympic football tournament."

This northern summer's tournament has also been negatively affected by the absence of three countries who would have been certain to generate interest.

Australia and United States would have gained instant recognition amongst the home support, whilst an Argentina side looking to secure a third successive gold medal with Messi involved as an overage player would have been amongst the greatest attractions of the entire games.

As it is, Brazil and Uruguay carry the South American flag, which raises the potential for the brilliant Neymar to exhibit his talents on a European stage, and also Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who are amongst those who could be called up as over-age players in the Under-23 tournament, of which each 18-man squad is allowed to have three.

Africa has provided a finalist in three out of the last four Games, so Egypt, Morocco and Gabon should be respected, plus Senegal after it overcome Oman in 2-0 in a final play-off at the Ricoh Arena.

Ferguson is already resigned to losing Javier Hernandez to Mexico's challenge and it will be interesting to see whether Honduran trio Maynor Figueroa and Hendry Thomas (Wigan Athletic) and Wilson Palacios (Stoke City) are called up to aid their nation's efforts.

Europe's challenge is led by tournament favourite Spain, which won the UEFA Under-21 tournament last year that served as qualification.

David De Gea is certain to be included in its squad, although the talented Switzerland youngsters may provide stiff competition, in addition to Belarus.

For Pearce, whose side will play group matches at Old Trafford, Wembley and the Millennium Stadium, it is an opportunity to relish.

By sealing a first Olympic berth, Senegal will join fellow African countries Gabon, Morocco and Egypt in Tuesday's group draw at Wembley Stadium.

Goals by Ibrahima Balde and Abdoulaye Sane earned the victory for Senegal at Coventry's Ricoh Arena, one of six grounds that will host the men's and women's tournaments from 25 July to 11 August.

Oman, coached by former France midfielder Paul Le Guen, earned a final opportunity to reach the games after finishing above Syria and Uzbekistan in Asian qualifying.

Brazil, Spain, Britain and Mexico have been chosen as the seeded teams for the men's tournament draw that will separate the European teams and the countries from Latin America.

FIFA says it ordered the Oman Football Association to pay 9980 euros ($A12,704) in fines and legal costs, and cautioned the Gulf state about fans' future conduct.

Oman hosts Australia in June when Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup resumes.

FIFA acted after fans disrupted Oman's 3-0 loss against South Korea at Seeb Stadium on February 22.

The match referee halted play for seven minutes while police restored order, and the field was cleared of fireworks and other debris.

South Korea advanced to the 16-nation Olympic tournament.

Oman faces Senegal in a playoff on Monday in Coventry, England.

Pearce will select an 18-man squad, plus standby players, for the Under-23 tournament this northern summer.

There are spaces for three over-age players within the regulations, one of which could end up being former England skipper David Beckham.

Other than that, the only advice Pearce has been given is that anyone selected for England's EURO 2012 squad will not be chosen for the tournament, which runs from 26 July to the final on 11 August, to be played at Wembley exactly one week before the new top-flight league campaign kicks-off.

However, that does raise the potential for players who just miss out on EURO 2012 being asked to report for Olympic duty and that, in turn, could mean an imbalance in the numbers each club is asked to supply.

Whilst it is not expected any player would be prevented from participating, it is easy to imagine some managers not being impressed at losing a significant number from their pre-season schedule, especially if rival clubs were unaffected.

Press Association Sport understands the Football Association has full confidence in the channels of communication Pearce has already built with senior Premier League clubs to ensure potential problems are sorted out before it becomes an issue.

The matter is complicated though, particularly as it has not yet been established who will pick the EURO 2012 squad, with Pearce still an outside possibility even though the FA has said its intention is to have a full-time replacement for Fabio Capello in place for this northern summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

At the moment, Pearce is juggling both jobs and has just whittled a 191-strong long list down to 80 Olympic candidates.

Beckham is the most notable figure and it remains highly likely the former England skipper, 37 next month, will be one of three over-age players in Pearce's final 18-man squad when it is confirmed at the end of May.

Having played such a pivotal role in getting the Olympics to London in the first place, it would be a suitable reward, although others may argue it could weaken British hopes of a gold medal.

Representatives from all four Home Nations are in the latest shortlist, including Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy, Steven Fletcher and Chris Brunt, and the FA remains optimistic non-English players would accept a chance to play in a major tournament on home soil.

However, the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FAs are completely opposed to participation and whilst they accept there is no legal basis to bar selection, dire warnings about future existence of national teams are bound to be made.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere has been ruled out through injury but former Chelsea star Joe Cole, currently on loan at Lille, is amongst the potential over-age players, whilst Birmingham City's Jack Butland, Chelsea's Josh McEachran and Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne are amongst those who meet the Under-23 criteria.

Knowledge that Beckham could still be in the squad, and appear in competitive games in the UK for possibly the last time, should help push ticket sales which, for GB games, are said to be strong.

In excess of 50,000 have been sold for the opening game at Old Trafford on 26 July and a double-header friendly featuring both the men's and women's teams will be confirmed for the north-east at some stage over the next few weeks.

GB will learn its three group stage opponents at the official draw on Tuesday, although it is likely it will be kept apart from fellow European contender Spain - which is almost certain to include Manchester United keeper David de Gea - Switzerland and Belarus, plus Brazil, which will almost certainly be a fellow top seed.

Argentina, USA and Australia are amongst the most notable teams who have not qualified but the presence of Uruguay, Mexico and New Zealand should generate wider interest.

The final place in the men's competition will be decided at Coventry on Monday, when Senegal takes on Oman in a play-off.

Pearce has slashed his 191-strong long list to 80 players, who are now being contacted by the Football Association to confirm they remain in contention.

Beckham is the most notable figure and it remains highly likely the former England skipper, 37 next month, will be one of three over-age players in Pearce's final 18-man squad when it is confirmed at the end of May.

Having played such a pivotal role in getting the Olympics to London in the first place, it would be a suitable reward, although others may argue it could weaken British hopes of a gold medal.

Representatives from all four Home Nations are in the latest squad, including Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy, Steven Fletcher and Chris Brunt and the FA remains optimistic non-English players will accept a chance to play in a major tournament on home soil.

However, the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FA's are completely opposed to participation and whilst they accept there is no legal basis to bar selection, dire warnings about future existence of national teams are bound to be made.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere has been ruled out through injury but former Chelsea star Joe Cole, currently on loan at Lille, is amongst the potential over-age players, whilst Birmingham's Jack Butland, Chelsea's Josh McEachran and Crystal Palace's Nathaniel Clyne are amongst those who meet the under-23 criteria.

Knowledge that Beckham could still be in the squad and appear in competitive games in the UK for possibly the last time should help push ticket sales which, for GB games, are said to be strong.

In excess of 50,000 have been sold for the opening game at Old Trafford on 26 July and a double-header friendly featuring the men's and women's teams will be confirmed for the north-east at some stage over the next few weeks.

GB will learn its three group stage opponents at the official draw on Tuesday, although it is likely it will be kept apart from fellow European contenders Spain, which is almost certain to include Manchester United keeper David de Gea, Switzerland and Belarus, plus Brazil, which will almost certainly be a fellow top seed.

Argentina, USA and Australia are amongst the most notable teams who have not qualified but the presence of Uruguay, Mexico and New Zealand should generate wider interest.

The final place in the men's competition will be decided at Coventry on Monday, when Senegal takes on Oman in a playoff.

Both teams had already qualified for the Games in London by reaching the final.

Ponce slipped behind the Honduras backline in the 116th minute, controlled Javier Cortes' free-kick, and buried it in the net for the winner.

Honduras had taken the lead early in the second half when Johnny Leveron headed in Alexander Lopez's corner but Marco Fabian equalised for Mexico in the 75th.

Honduras claimed its third trip to the Olympics since 2000 by reaching the final of the North and Central America and Caribbean Under-23 championship, the region's Olympic qualifying tournament.

Rodas scored 11 minutes into extra-time and again in the 25th minute of extra-time to finally end El Salvador's challenge.

Honduras had taken the lead in the opening minute and held the advantage until Milton Molina headed in the equaliser in the 77th.

The teams ended regular time level at 1-1.

After Rodas put Honduras ahead again, Edwin Sanchez again pulled El Salvador level with a goal in the 106th minute.

A hardline statement was issued by football's world governing body, despite Barcelona having won a court ruling in 2008 against being obliged to release Lionel Messi for the Beijing tournament.

It means that FIFA will not leave a decision to clubs; for example for Arsenal to decide whether Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey can play for the British team.

A FIFA statement read: "The executive decided that the release of the under-23 players by clubs for Olympic football tournaments will be compulsory."

The Court of Arbitration of Sport found in favour of Barcelona in 2008 on the grounds that the Olympic tournament is not on the international match calendar, but the club still allowed Messi to play and he went on to win a gold medal.

It is understood that FIFA believes the ruling went against it because it did not make it clear early enough that release of the players was compulsory.

The Football Association has assured clubs that Team GB coach Stuart Pearce will not select any player for the British men's team if they have been in the England squad for Euro 2012.

Each men's squad is made up of under-23 players plus three over-age players.

The 23-year-old rising star of New Zealand football has scored 23 goals in the Welsh Premier League, where he plays for The New Saints, and represented New Zealand at the Beijing Olympics and the Under-20 World Cup.

But Draper, who has appeared for the All Whites national side as well as the Olympic Under-23 team, dubbed the Oly-Whites, said his 17th-minute penalty against Fiji trumped everything.

The goal secured a 1-0 victory in the Oceania zone Olympic qualifying final.

"It's the highlight of my life to be honest, scoring the goal to get New Zealand to the Olympics," he said as New Zealand become the 13th team to qualify for the 16-nation tournament.

New Zealand Football officials were on Tuesday seeking quick confirmation from the country's Olympic committee that the team will travel to London so it can begin planning its pre-Games preparation.

In Sunday's final in New Zealand, a handball by Fiji's Ilisoni Tuinawaivuvu gave Draper the early chance to put New Zealand ahead and the Oly-Whites defended from there.

"We put our bodies on the line and defended like our lives depended on it, for the whole second half to be honest," Draper said.

New Zealand captain Adam McGeorge praised his side's defensive effort.

"It's finals football. It doesn't have to be pretty. Fiji threw everything at us. They definitely gave us a few wake-up calls but that just showed the resolves of the boys to get the result," he said.

The United States had to win to reach the weekend semi-finals in Kansas and led 3-2 thanks to Joe Corona's goal in the 68th minute.

But Alas scored to stun the United States, which missed the Olympics for the second time since 1976.

El Salvador reached the last four, putting it a win away from its first Olympic berth since 1968. Canada, which drew with Cuba 1-1 earlier, finished second.

Lester Blanco and Andres Flores also scored for El Salvador, while Terrence Boyd scored twice for the U.S.

The 21-year-old has struggled to make an impact since leaving Barcelona for Serie A last summer, managing only four goals in 25 league appearances, but is still optimistic he will be in the picture to play in the upcoming Games.

"I have not lost hope of going to the Games in London," the striker said.

While he has not yet had the success he wanted with Roma, Bojan insisted he remains upbeat about his future in Italy.

"I still speak with my former (Barcelona) team-mates, but now my place is in Rome," he said.

"Here, I am still growing. I am 21 years old and have many things to learn. My feelings are still positive."

The United States could have clinched a berth in the semi-finals on 31 March in Kansas City, Kansas. Those winners qualify for the London games. Instead, it must now beat El Salvador, a 4-0 winner over Cuba, to advance.

Canada played a scoreless draw against El Salvador to open the Group A tournament, and it stayed just as strong defensively against the United States.

Henry headed the ball in from a corner in the 58th minute, and Cavallini scored with a diving header in the 83rd minute for a 2-0 lead.

Juan Agudelo and Freddy Adu also scored and the US Under-23 team also profited from a Cuba own goal to lead 4-0 at half-time.

The Americans will play Canada in the second of three games in the Group A round-robin tournament at LP Field, home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

El Salvador and Canada drew 0-0 in the first game. The top two teams advance to the semi-finals on 31 March in Kansas City, Kansas.

The win was the US Under-23 team's biggest since beating Panama 7-0 on 20 July, 1991.

Rojas suffered the injury early in Victory's 3-0 home win over Wellington Phoenix on Friday night.

The 20-year-old All White got a knock to his head in a clash with opposition defender Manny Muscat, left the field and was taken for assessment to hospital, where he spent the night.

He had been due to join the New Zealand Under-23 side in Taupo on Saturday for the remainder of the Oceania qualifying tournament.

"He's an important part of our squad so it's sad that we've not been able to bring him in," coach Neil Emblen said.

"We're gutted for Marco as we know how much he was looking forward to helping us reach the Olympics."

Under tournament rules, a replacement player cannot be called in.

New Zealand began its campaign with a 1-0 win over Papua New Guinea on Friday.

It has a bye on Sunday and plays its last pool match on Tuesday against Tonga.

The winner of the seven-nation tournament will qualify for the Olympics.

New Zealand's Olympic football dreams were once routinely crushed by Australia, at least before Australia's move from Oceania into FIFA's Asian Football Confederation.

Now it's New Zealand's Under-23 side that will be firm favourite when a nine-day Oceania qualifying tournament starts in Taupo on Friday.

The Kiwis should not have too much trouble against Papua New Guinea and Tonga in group matches before a likely semi-final and final next week.

Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and American Samoa are the teams on the other side of the draw.

New Zealand coach Neil Emblen maintains there's no easy road to London and no chance the host will be taking the qualifying tournament lightly.

But the path has certainly become a lot easier since Australia joined the AFC.

If Australia's participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup underlined the reward of joining the AFC, the Olyroos' inability to qualify for the Olympics has highlighted the flipside.

On balance, it adds up favourably - gone are the days of a woefully under-prepared side facing a sudden-death World Cup qualifier.

But no longer can Australia access the Oceania Football Confederation's one golden ticket to the Olympics.

That's waiting on a silver platter for New Zealand.

Sixteen nations will contest the London Olympics football tournament and, for the first time since 1984, Australia won't be one of them.

While Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar turns his focus to the inaugural AFC Under-22 Asian championship, one suspects his players won't see it in the same vein as the carrot on offer to Emblen's charges.

Ronaldinho, Luiz and Alves are among a number of high-profile players over the age of 23 on coach Mano Menezes' list of 52 players, with Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar, AC Milan defender Thiago Silva and Porto forward Hulk also included.

Only three players over the age of 23 can be included in the final 18-man squad.

Among the younger players listed are Santos sensation Neymar, Milan forward Alexandre Pato, Manchester United defender Rafael and Tottenham Hotspur's Sandro.

The men's Olympic football tournament takes place from 26 July to 11 August, keeping European-based players out of their club's pre-season camps.

Ronaldinho, who turns 32 next Wednesday and now plays for Flamengo, won Olympic bronze with Brazil in 2008, but the competition is the only major prize in world football the country has not won.

Menezes will cut the squad to 35 in June before selecting his final 18 on 6 July.

A largely new-look squad was unable to prevent Australia from finishing bottom of Group B with just four points from its six matches.

With six new faces in the starting side determined to prove they belonged in a national shirt, there was a sense of urgency by the Olyroos.

Iraq's Amjed Kalaf Mansoor couldn't capitalise on an early half-chance, and from there Australia had the better chances.

But the match quickly descended into an end-to-end affair as both sides fought to assert their authority in midfield.

Australian pair Chris Harold and Kofi Danning were the beneficiaries of some accurate passes from Mustafa Amini, but were unable to break down a committed Iraqi defence.

Danning had the best chance of the half to give Australia a decisive lead after 22 minutes, but the marksman elected to push a pass when pulling the trigger himself appeared the better option.

Dimitri Petratos was proving a handful for the Iraqi defenders with some bustling runs, while captain Ben Kantarovski strengthened the midfield with a composed performance.

Australian goalkeeper Mark Birighitti made an important late save to ensure scores would remain level at half-time.

Australia lifted the intensity noticeably after the break, but it was Iraq's Ammar Abdulhussein Ahmed who went within inches of opening the scoring in the 67th minute when he dragged his shot just wide.

A slick passing movement released striker Chris Harold shortly in the 87th minute but Iraqi goalkeeper Saqr Ajail Salih narrowed the angle and the shot went wide.

Harold had one final chance to break the deadlock deep in stoppage time but his powerful header was deflected out for a corner.

The 1968 bronze medallist needs just a point to guarantee an automatic berth by finishing top of Group B, but a handy goal difference means it could lose at home to Bahrain and still go through.

Syria is a strong favourite to hang on to second spot, which would put it into this month's play-offs involving the three group runners-up, as it takes on pointless Malaysia at home.

Third-placed Bahrain is level on nine points with Syria but it would need to beat Japan by a hatful of goals - two weeks after its full national side beat Indonesia 10-0, prompting a FIFA probe - to reach the play-offs.

Korea Republic went through with a game to spare after last month's win over Oman but Australia, which is still yet to score in five games, is playing only for pride when it takes on Iraq in Gosford.

"It's a bit different because we've had no preparation time at all. It'll probably be a bit hit and miss - the players will probably play on instinct and what they do naturally," said Australia coach Aurelio Vidmar.

"We'll go through a few things of what we expect of them but I know there will be mistakes, which is only normal in a situation like this," he told the Football Federation Australia website.

"But on the flip-side they're all very keen to represent their country and they'll give 100 percent."

Uzbekistan has its fate in its hands as it entertains United Arab Emirates in Tashkent, needing to win by more than one goal to supplant the Group C leader.

In Group A, Oman has a one-point advantage over third-placed Qatar as it looks to preserve its play-off spot heading into its final fixture with Saudi Arabia. Qatar takes on already-qualified Korea Republic.

Men's football is played as an under-23 tournament at the Olympics, although the rules allow for three over-age players.

The three group runners-up will play a round-robin tournament in Vietnam this month with the winner facing Senegal for a place at the Olympics.

Ghana-born Adu joined Major League Soccer at age 14 in 2004 as a highly-touted prodigy, becoming the youngest US pro athlete in 115 years.

But Adu struggled the past four years with European clubs in France, Portugal, Greece and Turkey before making a US comeback at 22.

Shea and New York's Juan Agudelo are joined among American frontliners by Terrence Boyd of Borussia Dortmund and Joe Gyau of Hoffenheim and Kansas City's Teal Bunbury.

The only non-MLS defender picked for the line-up, which is limited to players 23 and under, was Josh Gatt of Norwegian side Molde. The right-back missed an exhibition game and training camp last month due to an ankle injury.

"This roster is a culmination of a long process to select what we feel is the best team this country has to offer in the U-23 age group," coach Caleb Porter said.

"I feel very confident in this collection of players and their ability to execute the playing style we believe will best represent their talents and get us to London."

The Americans are in CONCACAF qualifying Group A along with Cuba, Canada and El Salvador for home-soil matches in Nashville, Tennessee on 22-26 March with Mexico, Honduras, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago in Group B at Los Angeles.

The two top teams from each group advance to the semi-finals on 31 March at Kansas City and the winners of those two matches will advance to the London Olympics.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for these young players," US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "Playing the Olympic Games is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and we are fully supporting their efforts to qualify."

Although unable to qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games, Vidmar is confident his all locally-based side can go out of the competition on a positive note.

“It is obvious that mathematically we can’t qualify for the Olympic Games, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is an international match that we want to win.

“We have also selected the current group of players with the upcoming inaugural AFC U22 Asian Championship in mind to give them some valuable competitive international match experience.

“Although we will only have a limited preparation, I am sure that the boys will be looking to finish the campaign with a positive result."

The Olyroos and Iraq are out of contention to qualify for the Olympic Games with Uzbekistan and UAE playing in Tashkent for top spot in the group and a direct passage to the Olympics.

Olyroos squad:

Zac ANDERSON - Gold Coast United
Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk) - Adelaide United
Kofi DANNING - Brisbane Roar
Nicholas FITZGERALD - Brisbane Roar
Sam GALLAGHER - Central Coast Mariners
Craig GOODWIN - Melbourne Heart
Rhyan GRANT - Sydney FC
Brendan HAMILL - Melbourne Heart
Chris HAROLD - Gold Coast United
Bernie IBINI-ISEI - Central Coast Mariners
James JEGGO - Melbourne Victory
Ben KANTAROVSKI - Newcastle Jets
Mitchell MALLIA - Sydney FC
Jacob PEPPER -Newcastle Jets
Dimitrios PETRATOS - Sydney FC
Joshua RISDON - Perth Glory
Tom ROGIC - Central Coast Mariners
Lawrence THOMAS (gk) - Melbourne Victory

Top clubs are unlikely to be keen on their star names playing two major tournaments in the northern summer, but Busquets would be happy to see his name in both squads.

"I can be in both lists, very much," he said.

"I want to play both and I can play both, but it depends on the selectors. My dream is to go but this depends on (Spain Olympic coach) Luis Milla.

"I will do everything possible to go. He knows I want to go."

Valcke claimed the national associations should not stand in the way of their players' "dreams" of competing at the Games this summer.

"Let the players play. If they want to play, let them," he told BBC Sport.

"For the players, when you are 20, 21, 23 it's a dream. And that's what we have to respect."

The SFA, FAW and IFA opposed plans for a British men's football team at London 2012 over fears it will compromise their independence.

"You can always understand [their concerns] but you still hope that... we should forget about these problems when you're talking about an event like the Olympic Games," Valcke added.

Valcke said it was important the GB team was made up of players from all four home nations.

"There's a team and this team should be composed by the four British associations," he added.

"We finalised an agreement between the four British associations and FIFA. It took a long time - there was a lot of exchange of letters and things said, and a lot of words used in this period.

"Now it's up to the coach and the FA to finalise the composition of this team.

"But it should be a representation of a country."

The Olyroos needed a win to at least stay in the hunt for the play-offs involving the three second-placed teams in the Asian qualifying groups.

Once again, Australia was toothless in attack and has the ignominious distinction of failing to score a goal after five group games.

The loss left Australia bottom of its four-team group, trailing second-placed Uzbekistan by five points with one game to play against Iraq in Gosford on 14 March.

A win would lift it off the bottom and into third above Iraq, which upset previously unbeaten Uzbekistan 2-1 in the other penultimate round game.

The Olyroos created some decent chances, especially in the first half before UAE scored the only goal of the game.

Mate Dugandzic clipped the crossbar and Aaron Mooy and captain Oliver Bozanic each had a shot saved.

The only goal came midway through the first half, when goalkeeper Matthew Ryan was beaten at his near post by a speculative shot from near the goal line after a short corner routine.

Moments earlier Ryan had pulled off two good saves from a free kick and follow-up effort.

Unbeaten UAE, which now leads the group by three points, went close a couple of times just before the hour mark.

The home team was content to protect its lead in the final quarter and just launch the occasional attack.

Australia had a decent share of possession in the second half, but created few chances due to consistently poor delivery into the area from both set pieces and open play.

Mooy blazed high and wide with just over 10 minutes to go, as the Olyroos' painful goal drought continued.

The Olyroos' clash with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning (0030 AEDT) is the last-chance saloon for the Australia Under-23 side.

Without a win in its four group matches, maximum points are a must for the team to have any hope of finishing second and getting into the play-offs for a Games spot.

Already top spot in the group and automatic qualification is out of reach, partly because of a decision earlier this month to strip Iraq of points because of a player eligibility infringement.

That leaves UAE - which received a 3-0 win over Iraq because of the infringement - equal top of the group on eight points.

It and Uzbekistan are five points clear of the Olyroos.

Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar recognises the Iraq decision leaves his side with huge problems, added to the fact it is goalless in all four matches so far.

"We've still got a lot to play for, but if we don't win then we're definitely gone," Vidmar said from Dubai on Monday.

"We know what's in front of us. I thought we were pretty unlucky against Uzbekistan (in a 2-0 defeat in freezing conditions earlier this month)."

The Olyroos have managed to call up Scottish-based midfielder Aaron Mooy, who will join the team in camp late on Monday night.

But Vidmar said he had failed to negotiate the release of other overseas-based players, including striker Mathew Leckie who is injured and won't be let go by his German club Borussia Monchengladbach.

Vidmar conceded the problems of getting European-based players released has taken a toll on a campaign in which A-League players have mostly featured.

"That's been the way it's been the whole campaign," Vidmar said.

"We've kept knocking on the door again and again, and got a flat-out no. We've done everything we can to get these players released."

Australia's final group match is against Iraq in Gosford on 14 March, with the UAE and Uzbekistan to play on the same day.

If the Olyroos finish second in the group, they will play off against the runner-up from the two other Asian groups.

The winner of that play-off will have a match against Senegal to claim the last qualifying spot for London 2012.

The peak body has ruled that Iraq fielded an ineligible player in an Olympic qualifying win last November and it awarded a 3-0 victory to United Arab Emirates.

The decision has propelled UAE to a share of the lead in the group on eight points with Uzbekistan, Aurelio Vidmar's Australia well off the pace on just three points with two qualifying matches remaining.

Even victory in the remaining matches against UAE and Iraq for the Olyroos will not be enough to win the group and qualify automatically.

The tournament will be played at Taupo on New Zealand's North Island from 16-25 March. The OFC said on Tuesday the first phase of Oceania qualifying, due to be played in Fiji in June, will also be moved if the nation's military regime does not drop contempt of court charges against OFC general secretary Tai Nicholas.

Charges were laid against Nicholas after comments he made to New Zealand reporters, which appeared to be critical of the Fiji judicial system, were published by Fijian newspapers.

The Olyroos battled temperatures of 11 degrees below zero and a thick layer of snow at the JAR Stadium.

Originally scheduled for an 8pm kick-off, the game was changed to 3pm local time due to the freezing conditions throughout Uzbekistan.

The Australians started the match well, dominating possession in the first 20 minutes, however it was the home team who were to strike first.

Uzbek forward Kenja Tuarev scored on 27 minutes via some neat play.

Going behind spurred on the Australians who were unlucky to have a Jason Hoffman goal disallowed for offside just before half time.

The second half proved to be a similar story as Mitch Nichols also had a goal disallowed for offside and on 86 minutes the match was put beyond the Aussies' reach as Oleg Zoteev's volley gave Uzbekistan a 2-0 lead.

Aurelio Vidmar's side will return to Dubai for a training camp to prepare for its next international friendly against Philippines on 17 February (AEDT) at Al Nasr Stadium.

The Olyroos' next qualification match is against United Arab Emirates at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 23 February.

The game was scheduled to kick off at 8pm on Sunday (local time) but will now start at 3pm (9pm AEDT).

Temperatures in Tashkent have plummeted to -18 degrees C and aren't expected to climb much above -8 C during the day.

It is a crucial game for the Olyroos, who are currently running third in the four-team Asian qualifying group, two points behind leader Uzbekistan.

Australia has yet to score or concede a goal in the competition, having fought out 0-0 draws in all three of its games.

Only the group winner advances directly to the Olympics, with all second-placed teams going into a play-off.

Qatar was found guilty of fielding midfielder Abdelaziz Hatim, who was booked against India before picking up another yellow card against Korea Republic which should have made him ineligible for the Oman match.

As a result, Oman now sits second in Group A while Qatar is four points back in third with only two points.

Qatar, desperate to improve its footballing fortunes now that it is hosting the 2022 World Cup, released a statement confirming it plans to appeal the FIFA decision.

It is also encouraging the team to look beyond the decision and focus on the 5 February qualifying match against Oman and on 22 February against Saudi Arabia.

"The QFA will reveal more details in relation to this case simultaneously with the expected developments we hope will aid in our quest to reach the London 2012 Summer Olympics," the QFA said.

The US and Canada will meet for the CONCACAF championship. Since both teams already qualified, the game is more for the bragging rights of the region that includes North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd and second-half substitute Alex Morgan scored for the US, who has outscored its opposition in this competition 34-0.

Team USA has won three gold medals and a silver.

Great Britain coach Stuart Pearce is currently sounding out the individuals who may be available for the London Games.

But with the Olympic football tournament not finishing until August 11 Moyes, who prefers to run a small squad, does not think he can afford to give any additional time off to anyone involved.

"Quite a lot of our players have had letters of invitation," said Moyes, who will not apply the same criteria to players involved in Euro 2012.

"Am I worried? I am because there's a lot of them got all sorts of things going on over the summer so I am a bit worried about the whole thing.

"It's a real difficult one. It would be hard to say to players not to but in the same breath, this (Everton) is their bread and butter and this is where they get paid.

"They do need holidays and they can't then be asking for spare time off that doesn't fit in.

"If they say 'I'm playing in the Olympics then I might need a week off to recover', there can never be anything like that."

Moyes added in the Liverpool Echo: "We accept international tournaments. What we're willing to do to those boys is give them a bit of extra time off because the players definitely need a holiday.

"But I think the players going to the Olympics will have to consider their own holiday time and it couldn't be eaten into the club's time."

The match is part of the international football package announced by the NSW Government through Destination NSW and Football Federation Australia in August 2011.

The package includes two Olyroos qualifiers for the 2012 Games, the first of which was played last November at Parramatta Stadium and the second is to be played at Bluetongue Stadium, which is to be called Central Coast Stadium for the occasion due to AFC requirements.

Hartcher said the announcement that Gosford would host the Australian Under-23s v Iraq Under-23s was a fantastic achievement for the region and an exciting addition to the 2012 NSW Events Calendar.

“This is great news for the Central Coast and reflects the NSW Government’s desire to take international football to as many parts of the State as possible.

“Pending the outcome of other London 2012 qualifiers during February in Australia’s group, the match against Iraq could be crucial to our hopes of London 2012 qualification.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting events in regional NSW as they play an important role in driving tourism and generating economic benefit for the State and local community.”

Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said he was greatly appreciative of the support from the Government for this match and other football events within NSW.

“The support from the NSW Government for these Olympic Games qualification matches and the Socceroos' 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers provides fans with fantastic opportunities for them to support our national teams at top quality stadiums,” he said.

“The Central Coast area in particular has a great tradition of supporting our national teams when they have played at Central Coast Stadium and I’m sure that our upcoming match against Iraq will be no different.”

Tickets for the match will go on sale from 9am on Friday 3 February.

The Manchester United midfielder was not among the players written to by the Football Association before Christmas because he had not then come out of retirement and was not registered as a player.

However the 37-year-old could still be considered as a contender for one of three over-age places in Stuart Pearce's squad - the remainder will be made up of under-23 players.

If Scholes wishes to be considered he would have to contact the FA to make himself available, or Pearce could approach the United player himself.

Fellow thirtysomethings David Beckham and Ryan Giggs are among 184 of 191 players who have indicated they wish to be considered for the Olympics men's team.

Pearce will not pick any player for the Olympics who has been part of Fabio Capello's squad for Euro 2012 which means there is a greater chance that Giggs, 38, or 36-year-old Beckham, or indeed Scholes, could feature.

Only seven of the 191 players written to by the FA last month have ruled themselves out. They are from across the home nations, including at least one Englishman, and from a spread of clubs.

It is understood Giggs and Beckham, who could both be included as over-age players, have signalled their intention to be considered.

British Olympic Association communications director Darryl Seibel said: "This is an outstanding response and it confirms what we have believed all along, which is there is widespread interest among players in competing for Team GB at the London 2012 Games.

"Clearly, the players recognise just how special this opportunity is."

Players who wanted to be in the Team GB Player Pool, from which coach Stuart Pearce will pick his squad for the Olympics, did not need to provide a written response to the FA. However, a large percentage of the 184 players did contact the FA to confirm they wanted to be considered.

The voluntary limit has been put in place by FFA after extensive consultations with A-League clubs affected by player call ups for Australia's U-23 national team.

The Olyroos play Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Sunday 5 February and the United Arab Emirates in Al Ain on Wednesday 22 February.

“The impact on the A-League clubs is something we always take into consideration when developing the under-age national teams program,” FFA National Technical Director Han Berger said.

“In this case, Aurelio Vidmar is confident he can select a very strong squad within the limits of using no more than three players per club.

“As a result, the A-League clubs can plan with some certainty for the period when the players will be away for these very important Olympic qualification matches.”

With clubs like Brisbane Roar and Central Coast Mariners potentially losing the services of four of more players if selected by Vidmar, FFA acted to ensure this was not the case.

In addition, the travel plans for the Olyroos have been adjusted in the interests of player welfare. This will enable A-League players selected for the February matches to play for their club in Week 17 matches (26 January – 29 January) before departing for Tashkent.

The provisional plan was for two separate trips away for the February matches, with the players returning to their A-League clubs in between.

“Having considered all the options, we believe the long-haul flights should be minimised by having one trip away to take in the two matches,” Berger said.

“I would like to thank all the A-League coaches and football directors involved in this planning. The logistics are never easy in these circumstances, but I believe we now have the best outcome possible for the players, the Olympic campaign and the A-League clubs.”

Vidmar is expected to name his 18-player squad on 16 January with FFA continuing to talk with European and Asian clubs about the release of eligible Australian players.

Pearce, the coach of the Great Britain men's team had initially been keen to not rule out that option but has now accepted that it is "a sensible football decision".

It means players such as Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Manchester United's Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, who are almost certain to go to Euro 2012 with England, will not be part of the Olympic team even though they are under 23.

The same applies to Wayne Rooney who could have been selected as an over-age player.

Pearce said: "We have had discussions as we come now to notifying the long list of the players who could potentially be selected and it is important to make clear what we have agreed regarding England players who will be at Euro 2012.

"We have agreed that any player who boards the plane to the European Championship in Ukraine and Poland will not be considered for selection to Team GB.

"It's a sensible football decision when you consider the demands on players, and it now leaves no room for doubt for players and their clubs about next summer and the two major tournaments."

The FA this week began notifying home associations and players of those on a long list for potential selection. Players are asked to confirm whether they would be available for selection.

Pearce's announcement will please club managers such as Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson who have said it would be too much for players to play in both tournaments.

It has also been revealed the Olympic Stadium could have retractable seating installed over the running track after the London 2012 Games to make it more attractive to football fans.

The new tender process for the stadium is due to be announced next week and West Ham is the favourite to be chosen as the tenant.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) is expected to stipulate that any bids must guarantee that the running track remains in place to allow athletics events to take place - including the 2017 world athletics championships which is being hosted at the stadium.

That has led to some opposition from football fans who fear they will be too far away from the pitch. West Ham have asked designers to come up with a plan for seats that cover the track so that fans are closer to the action.

The seats could then be removed from the track when athletics events are to be staged. The cost of retractable seating could be as little as £10million.

West Ham did consider retractable seating after it beat Tottenham back in February to be named as the preferred bidders to take over the stadium and sources say the idea is figuring strongly in its plans for a new bid - especially now conversion costs would be covered from the public purse.

The original deal to take over the stadium collapsed in October when the Government scrapped the agreement following a legal challenge by Tottenham and Leyton Orient which threatened London's bid for the 2017 world athletics championships.

Under that deal, West Ham and Newham Council would have taken on a 250-year lease and contributed to the conversion costs.

The new tender process is expected to stipulate that the stadium will be kept in public ownership and rented out.

The North Africans followed in the footsteps of Gabon, who sealed a first appearance at the Games 24 hours earlier in Tangiers when Andre Biyogho Poko headed the only goal against Senegal in the last minute of extra time.

Egypt and Senegal has another chance to reach London when they clash for third place and even defeat will not spell the end as the losers face the fourth-place team in the Asian qualifiers for another slot next April.

The tournament hosts took only 30 seconds to edge ahead as Soufiane Bidaoui dribbled past several defenders and his cutback was tapped into the net by Abdelaziz Barrada.

The 22-year-old midfielder from Spanish La Liga club Getafe struck with nine minutes gone, poking a loose ball over the line after a goalkeeping error.

Egypt, who has represented Africa at the Olympics a record 10 times, held its nerve and attacked a fragile Moroccan rearguard only to have two shots cleared off the line and another rebound from the base of a post.

But a much-deserved goal for the visitor finally arrived on 36 minutes when a Marwan Mohsen cross was picked up by Mohamed Salah and he punished sloppy defending to drive the ball across Itra and into the far corner.

The pace slackened during the second half until a Barrada run and a Bidaoui cutback set up Younes Mokhtar for a third Moroccan goal midway through the half.

Egypt refused to surrender and after substitute Ahmed Shokry headed against the woodwork, Ahmed Abdelbaset scored from close-range to trigger a tense climax.

Africa has collected football medals at four of the last five Olympics with Nigeria (1996) and Cameroon (2000) striking gold, Nigeria (2008) silver and Ghana (1992) bronze.

The winner came in the final minute of extra time in the Moroccan city of Tangiers after a drab match and had a strong French flavour with Andre Biyogho Poko of Bordeaux heading home a corner from Alexander Ndoumbou of Orleans.

Rank outsiders when the first tournament kicked off 10 days ago, the Baby Panthers bounced back after a loss to Egypt by holding South Africa and defeating Ivory Coast to finish Group B runner-up.

Senegal started as slight favourites to reach the final having beaten Nigeria and Morocco to top Group A, but were lucky not to fall behind early in the first half when Gabon had a goal mysteriously disallowed.

Repeated big-screen replays did not show anything untoward as a free kick from 16-year-old Muller Dinda - the youngest footballer at the tournament - was headed on to a post and Romuald Ntsitsigui poked the rebound into the net.

Senegal squandered a great chance when unmarked Kara Mbodj blazed over in second-half stoppage time and grounded 17-year-old Gabon goalkeeper Nick Moundounga used his feet to foil Dame Diop in extra time.

Senegal did get the ball in the net after 112 minutes but the goal was ruled offside although replays suggest the guilty player was not interfering with play.

CAF president Issa Hayatou was among the tiny crowd inside the 45,000-seat Tangiers Stadium and there was little goalmouth excitement with the teams concentrating more on not losing than winning.

Morocco host Egypt in the other semi-final in Marrakech with another place at the London Olympics up for grabs while the losers face Senegal for third place and a third ticket to the Games.

Whichever country loses the play-off gets yet another chance to qualify for the quadrennial multi-sport showcase in a play-off next April against an Asian nation.

Africa has a proud record in recent Olympic tournaments with Nigeria striking gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, Cameroon repeating the feat four years later in Sydney and Nigeria finishing runners-up at the 2008 Beijing Games.

The 36-year-old former England captain, in the Philippines as part of a week-long Asian tour by LA Galaxy, told reporters he still had to make up his mind about his future.

Asked about his Olympic hopes, Beckham said "I am very proud to be playing for my country. I would like to be part of the (Great Britain) team. Hopefully I will be involved in that and I'll be going (home) in the summer."

But he was less sure about who he would be playing for after his LA Galaxy contract expires at the end of the year.

"I'm proud of the time I spent with Galaxy. It might continue but at the end of the day I have to make that decision, but I haven't made it yet," he said.

LA Galaxy had a "tough game" earning a 1-0 win over a spirited Indonesian All Stars on Wednesday, Beckham said, adding that he expected another hard game against the national team, the Philippine Azkals on Saturday.

"We want to win. It does not matter if it is a friendly. We play every game to win," he said.

The Azkals' star striker Phil Younghusband, who exchanged football shirts with Beckham ahead of the match, said his team was not frightened to be taking on the MLS champions.

"We have to be on a defensive mindset playing against such a strong team," he said.

Galaxy will next play the Philippines national team in Manila on 3 December, and A-League club Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on 6 December.

Australia's women's team narrowly missed a 2012 Olympic berth, finishing third at the Asian qualifying tournament in September behind Japan and North Korea, who claimed the two Games spots.

But Matildas players and Olympic and football officials were not happy that North Korea was allowed to qualify after it was banned by FIFA from competing in the 2015 Women's World Cup following a doping scandal at the 2011 World Cup in Germany in June-July.

Five players tested positive to steroids and received bans of up to 18 months, while the team's doctor was banned for six years.

Football Federation Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee last month wrote to FIFA, the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Authority, claiming North Korea should also be banned from the Olympics, paving the way for the Matildas to take its place.

But neither has been able to make any headway and FIFA and WADA have said the ruling will not be overturned or challenged.

FIFA stood firm on its decision, saying rules meant the sanctions would be served "only in the competition in which the infringement occurred".

WADA has the power to appeal FIFA's decision but it has declined to do so despite the calls from Australian officials.

National teams chief John Boultbee said FFA would "keep looking for avenues but it's hard to see any."

Matildas players were left particularly frustrated by the fact no drug tests were taken at the Olympic qualifying tournament in China, in which they suffered a key 1-0 loss to North Korea in their opening game.

A third straight goalless draw, this time against table-topping Uzbekistan at Sydney's Parramatta Stadium, has left them struggling to keep up with the pace at the halfway stage of their qualifying group.

The Olyroos have now played four and a half hours of football without finding the net, and look like they have forgotten how.

The Australians find themselves two points behind Uzbekistan, where they must travel in February for the key away match of their campaign.

Only the top team goes through automatically to London's 2012 Olympics.

The second-placed side will face further play-offs, and on their current form up front the Australians might struggle to secure that berth, too.

Dimitrios Petratos did manage to put the ball into the net in the second half after Uzbekistan's goalkeeper failed to grasp a Mitch Nichols shot, but he was clearly offside.

Nichols came close again when a searing left foot shot sizzled over the crossbar, but this time did not trouble Uzbekistan's goalie.

The Olyroos can take heart from a gutsy performance against a solid Uzbekistan team.

But although they enjoyed the bulk of possession and territory, the final pass let them down and they had difficulty creating enough chances to swing a match they badly wanted to win.

In the first half Uzbekistan, against the run of play, peppered the Australian defence, with captain Musaev Fozil bursting through from midfield twice to force a save from goalkeeper Matt Ryan and a desperate block from central defender Matthew Jurman.

The Olyroos dominated play in the second half, but still could not crack their duck and might soon seen their best chance of qualification slipping away.

A frustrated Australian coach Aurelio Vidmar said: "We still can't hit the back of the net.

"Maybe it's time we stopped doing tactical work at training and concentrated a bit more on shooting.

"We seem to be lacking that little bit of extra finesse (in attack).

"We get in front of the penalty box time and time again, but the wall pass goes too long or the through ball hits the striker on the back of the neck instead of going in front of him.

"It's the small detail that's letting us down."

Vidmar particularly praised the performances of Matt Ryan in goal, Petratos up front and man-of-the-match Jurman in defence.

He said one of the biggest pluses was the tenacity of all of his players, who had showed they were "willing to die for their country".

Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov said it was unfair that his team had to play its previous qualifier last Wednesday in the United Arab Emirates, while the Olyroos qualifier against Iraq in Qatar was switched to a day earlier.

This has given Aurelio Vidmar's Australian side an extra day to recover and to get over jet lag after the long trip from the Middle East to Sydney.

"It's very difficult for us to come here," Abramov said.

His complaint stems from the fact FIFA switched Iraq's home matches to nearby Doha because of security concerns.

The Olyroos were originally scheduled to play Iraq on Wednesday, but the game was brought forward because Qatar was already slotted to play a home qualifier in Doha that day in a different Asian qualifying group.

It's a case of the rub of the green favouring Australia rather than any sinister backroom dealings.

But the Aussies will take any advantage they can get in a match they feel they must win to top the group and qualify automatically for the 2012 London Olympics.

After two goalless draws Australia must defeat Uzbekistan at Parramatta Stadium to vault to the top of the table, knowing that its next match is away against the same team in February.

The top team goes straight to London while the runner-up faces further qualifiers.

Uzbekistan, the only side to have scored in this group's four matches so far, insists it is not here to scramble for a point.

"I want to win, not draw," said Abramov. "It is too far to come for a draw.

"It is a very important game for both teams."

Despite a less than roaring start to the Olyroos' campaign, Vidmar is expected to keep faith with the players that have served him so far.

His only selection headache is who to play at left-back in place of the suspended Aziz Behich, who picked up a second yellow card against Iraq.

But Australia's problems are at the other end, where it has failed to find the net in two matches despite a string of clear chances.

"The chances will keep coming if we get players like Mitch Nicholls on the ball," said Melbourne Heart forward Jason Hoffman.

"We'll create as many chances as we did in the last game, and hopefully we will put them away this time and put Uzbekistan to the sword."

Captain Oliver Bozanic agrees.

"We were a bit unlucky against Iraq. If we create the same chances, I think we'll get the result we need," he said.

Vidmar had a much blunter assessment however.

"We need to win to get ourselves back on track."

The left-sided defender picked up his second yellow card of the Asian Olympic qualifiers for the 2012 London Games against Iraq in Doha in midweek.

Vidmar called up Melbourne Heart defender Good shortly after the match against Iraq but has elected to bring in the more experienced Central Coast Mariners defender Gallagher.

In the other group B match, UAE and Uzbekistan played out a scoreless draw whi ch means tehr ace for a spot in the Games is wide open.

The Olyroos have arrived back in Sydney to prepare for their all-important match against Uzbekistan at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday evening.

The winners of Asia's three groups qualify directly for the London Games.

The three second-placed teams will play off at a centralised venue from March 25 to 29 and the winners will meet a team from Africa for a berth in the Games.

Match Highlights: Iraq v Olyroos

The Olyroos, who drew their opening match against the UAE in September, were forced to share the points yet again, thanks to the efforts of Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan who displayed tremendous alertness and anticipation.

Hassan saved four Australian chances to help his team gain its first point after its 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan earlier in the campaign.

The Iraqis matched the Australians man for man, except for occasional defensive errors that on another day could have spelt disaster.

After the initial burst of Iraqi aggression that saw the rival defence under pressure on a couple of occasions, Australia managed to get its act together in midfield, pushing forward in search of its first goal.

It was presented with two golden chances in a space of a few seconds, but James Brown found Hassan equal to the task.

Brown dribbled past the last Iraqi defender in the 39th minute, but his shot from six yards was blocked by Hassan.

The ball came back to Brown, but he couldn't believe his eyes as his second shot too was deflected by the alert goalkeeper.

Australia kept on attacking and was presented with another opportunity a minute later but Sebastian Ryall's header off a chip from 25 yards was grabbed by Hassan.

Iraq managed to keep the Olyroos at bay in the second half too, but once again had Hassan to thank.

He tipped a thundering shot by Marko Jessic over the bar in the 57th minute and later cleared the ball from the penalty area on a couple of occasions to prevent his team from suffering its second successive defeat in qualifying and breathing new life into its campaign.

Australia next plays Uzbekistan at home on Sunday, while the UAE meets Iraq.

The national women's team narrowly missed a 2012 Olympic berth, finishing third at the Asian qualifying tournament in September behind Japan and Korea DPR, who claimed the two Games spots.

But Matildas players and Olympic and football officials are not happy that Korea DPR was allowed to contest the qualifiers and believe Australia should take its place.

Korea DPR was banned by FIFA from competing in the 2015 Women's World Cup after a doping scandal at the 2011 World Cup in Germany in June-July.

Five players tested positive to steroids and received bans of up to 18 months, while the team's doctor was banned for six years.

It is understood FIFA's disciplinary committee wanted to punish North Korea only in the same competition and therefore did not extend the whole team ban to the Olympics.

Matildas players are incensed at the decision, especially as no drug tests were taken at the Olympic qualifying tournament in China, in which they suffered a key opening 1-0 loss to Korea DPR.

The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed on Tuesday it had weighed in on the issue of Olympic eligibility by writing to the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Authority last month.

However it is understood the IOC's hands are tied by world football's governing body FIFA, which runs the Olympic tournament.

Football Federation Australia national teams chief John Boultbee said FFA had also asked WADA to appeal FIFA's decision but the FFA is also yet to make any inroads.

"We think it's strange that a team is banned for 2015 and not 2012 so we have raised the issue with WADA, the IOC and FIFA but so far to no avail," Boultbee said.

"We recognise there's an element of self interest from our point of view because we were third in the qualification tournament but also we are not happy that what FIFA has found to be systematic doping, has not been dealt with in the most effective way."

It is believed Matildas players were initially instructed not to comment on the issue but they've opted to speak publicly because of their frustration with the situation.

Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri stressed the women's side did want to make excuses for its failed campaign but simply could not fathom why no drug testing was done at the qualifying tournament.

"It's surprising to say the least, especially when a team has been caught with drugs in their system for the World Cup a month beforehand and to have no drug testing," Barbieri said.

"They (Korea DPR) played better than us and we lost the game.

"But it plays on your mind - do you really believe that they didn't have any drugs in their system when they were playing us as well? Who knows?"

While the five North Korean players banned at the World Cup did not take part in the Olympic qualification and cannot compete in London, veteran Matildas defender Thea Slatyer said she was concerned a host of new players had been brought into the squad but not tested.

Slatyer, who would have played her last international tournament in London, said the players had been left disheartened.

"We're a very fair country. We've always played fair and played by the rules," Slatyer said.

"... It does make you really upset to know that a team that has conducted this behaviour is kind of allowed to get away with not being tested."

FIFA said the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament had not been considered a priority for doping control.

"As due to logistical reasons, FIFA cannot conduct at all qualifying games doping controls," a statement read.

"Therefore, an assessment is done by the FIFA Anti-Doping Unit and it is decided at which matches doping controls will be performed."

Captain Ramsey and winger Bale, who scored the opener in today's victory, have courted controversy by appearing in promotional images for a Team GB supporter shirt.

FAW do not want Welsh players to be involved in Stuart Pearce's squad for the London Olympics as fearing it will have a detrimental effect on its status as an independent footballing nation.

The players' names were applauded when they were read out ahead of kick-off, although a "No Team GB" banner was briefly unfurled at one end of the ground.

However, a group of fans made its feelings known to the pair as they boarded the team bus outside the stadium following the game.

An FAW spokesman told Press Association Sport: "There were some fans who chose to voice their opinion over the issue of Team GB selection, but we had security people with the team so the players were never in any danger.

"We respect the right of our supporters to an opinion."

Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan receives his first call-up to the Olyroos squad for this campaign so too does team-mate Brad McDonald, Gold Coast United defender Dylan McGowan, Sydney FC midfielder Dimitrios Petratos and Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart, who was a member of the Young Socceroos squad that recently successfully qualified for the AFC U-19 Championship 2012.

"After drawing our opening match against the UAE we need to get a good result from these two matches to give us the best possible chance of qualifying for the Olympics," Vidmar said.

"With injuries to a number of players we have used in the previous matches, we've selected a few new faces following our recent training camp in Sydney.

"It will be up to these players to take their opportunity and step up to the challenge ahead.

"We will have a short camp together in Qatar before the Iraq match to work on things and I'm confident that the boys are up to it."

The Australian Under 23s will play Iraq in its next AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Games match on Tuesday 22 November (Al Arabi Stadium, Doha, Qatar) and then Uzbekistan five days later at Parramatta Stadium.

The teams in each group of the third round of qualifying play in a home-and-away format from 21 September 2011, to 14 March 14, 2012, with the winner of each group directly qualifying for the London Games.

The three second-placed teams from the third round will clash in a play-off at a centralised venue from 25 to 29 March, 2012, and the winner of this group will meet the representatives of CAF (Africa) for an Olympics berth.

Olyroos squad: Aziz Behich (Melbourne Heart), Mark Birighitti (gk) (Adelaide United), Oliver Bozanic (Central Coast Mariners), James Brown (Gold Coast United), Kofi Danning (Brisbane Roar), Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Heart), Matthew Foschini (Melbourne Victory), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Jason Hoffman (Melbourne Heart), Marko Jesic (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Jurman (Brisbane Roar), Brad McDonald (Central Coast Mariners), Dylan McGowan (Gold Coast United), Daniel Mullen (Adelaide United), Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar), Dimitrios Petratos (Sydney FC), Sebastian Ryall (Sydney FC), Mathew Ryan (gk) (Central Coast Mariners), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory).

Arsenal midfielder Ramsey and Tottenham wide man Bale have caused controversy by being pictured in a supporters' jersey for the Great Britain side that will compete at next year's Olympic Games.

The Football Association of Wales, and its Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts, do not want its players to be selected for Stuart Pearce's side, as they fear it may lead to a loss of their individual status with FIFA.

Welsh supporters' groups have voiced disapproval at the players being used in the promotional images, but Bale and Ramsey have both stated their desire to be involved with Team GB, and the FAW has no legal basis on which to stop them.

Ramsey and Bale have been an integral part of the progress made under Speed, with Wales, who have won three of their last four games, now up as high as 45th in the FIFA world rankings having been as low as 117th at one stage.

The 36-year-old's deal with current club Los Angeles Galaxy is about to run out and he admits there has been interest from Premier League clubs as well as Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain.

The former England skipper has been linked with the team for next year's Games and of the possibility of being involved, Beckham told BBC Sport: "We all dream about it and we all think about it.

"If it happens, I'll be honoured."

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has been playing at the highest level for almost 20 years and he is adamant he can continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

"People have been saying [I am too old] for the last 10 or 15 years and I've still continued to play for my country," Beckham said.

"Right now, I feel fit and still love playing, so I'm not finishing yet."

With his LA Galaxy contract almost up, attention has turned to his next destination whether that be in Europe or staying in the United States.

Beckham insists he has not had any contact with PSG and added: "There is also interest in me staying here and interest going to certain clubs in the Premier League.

"At 36 years old to still have that interest in me is an honour, I'm very flattered by that but right now I'm a Galaxy player and I will continue to be a Galaxy player until we win the league - the MLS Cup - and then we'll see.

"I haven't even sat down and thought about what my options are yet."

He also believes he will know when it is time to quit, saying: "It's always difficult making that decision about stopping but I don't think I'm going to have that problem.

"I think I'm going to know when to finish, but that's not yet.

"As long as I feel I can play at a high level, then I'll continue. Once that changes, I'm going to have to accept I need to stop."

Galaxy hosts New York Red Bulls in the second leg of its Western Conference semi-final and holds a 1-0 lead.

Beckham also says he might be interested in buying a team in the United States when he gives the game up.

He added: "I have the option and it's something I probably will do. Obviously I have to wait until I finish playing.

"I want to be part of something that is going to grow and I believe that this sport is going to grow."

Pearce was named as the head coach of the men's football team and immediately made it clear that, despite opposition from the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations, he wants to be able to pick a squad that includes representatives from all four nations.

Of the non-English players available to him, Bale is perhaps the most talented, and would easily slot in to the left-wing position that has troubled the English team for so long.

Bale himself revealed this that he was keen to play at London 2012, despite opposition from the Welsh FA, but his participation in the tournament requires the consent of his club manager.

Redknapp removed that obstacle by declaring that he would be happy for the flying winger to take part in the Games.

"If that's what he wants then I wouldn't stop him playing," Redknapp said.

"I think it's a great honour for anyone to play in an Olympic Games. It must be fantastic, something to look back on for years to come.

"To play in the Olympic Games in England, I think it would be a great honour for any player. I certainly wouldn't stop anyone going."

Bale's selection, and that of former England captain David Beckham, would boost flagging ticket sales and Redknapp hopes support for the event gathers momentum.

"I hope it does take off. I will be watching the football, and the athletics and the boxing if I can get a ticket," the Spurs boss said.

"I am looking forward to a great summer of sport, like everybody is."

Bale will return to the Spurs starting XI for Sunday's match at Blackburn after he was rested for Thursday night's Europa League win over Rubin Kazan.

Redknapp made nine changes to his team for the 1-0 win over the Russian side, which was settled by a brilliant free-kick from Roman Pavlyuchenko.

The strike, only Pavlyuchenko's second of the season, will not be enough to earn him a place in the starting line-up for Sunday's game, however, with Redknapp keen to recall in-form Emmanuel Adebayor to play up front alongside either Rafael van der Vaart or Jermain Defoe.

The Tottenham manager said: "I have good competition up front. Defoe scored a good goal last week and Adebayor has been in good form.

"It's difficult with Pav. He is a good lad. He gets on with it and if he works hard and puts the effort in home and away he will be a top player, there is no doubt about that.

"When he is on his game he is fantastic player. He has great ability, great power in his shooting.

"But I can only pick the people I think deserve to play at the end of the day. Adebayor has been excellent leading the line."

The 20-yard free-kick, which moved Spurs two points clear at the top of Europa League Group A, also does not appear to have lessened the chances of Pavlyuchenko leaving the club in January.

Redknapp admitted on Wednesday that he would listen to offers for the 29-year-old if he wanted to leave, and the player himself has made it clear that he will seek a transfer if he continues to be omitted from the Spurs league side.

"He is never happy really. I don't think I can really keep him happy," Redknapp added.

"I haven't spoke to him about his future. He has to just come in and work hard every day.

"It's up to him what he does in January. If he felt he wanted to move in January then..."

The Arsenal boss also insisted the Olympic football tournament is not a real competition and players should not be allowed to play in both the European Championship and London 2012 next year.

The Football Association opened the door for the possibility of England players at Euro 2012 potentially turning out for the Great Britain football team, if a schedule could be worked out between England manager Fabio Capello and newly-appointed Olympic head coach Stuart Pearce.

That could potentially affect Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as well as Theo Walcott. Aaron Ramsey is also likely to be involved in Great Britain's 18-man Olympic squad.

Wenger said: "If you look at the organisation of the whole summer, it makes life impossible for the clubs and the players especially.

"At some stage you have to decide how far you can go medically for the players to play so many games under so much pressure.

"I would say there is already no real break because of the European Championship and the Olympic tournament for me is not a real football tournament, for me the Olympics is for track and field basically."

Wenger insists players require at least four weeks' rest after tournaments and believes playing in both would be unworkable.

He said: "The competition (Olympics)i s after the European Championship. The Euros finish on July 1, we start the championship on August 15, we start pre-season training on July 4 or 5, that means we will not have the players after the Euros.

"If we are losing them as well to the Olympic Games I think I will have to sign a licence to practise all over the summer because we will not have players. It cannot work.

"The Olympics finish in mid-August, so imagine a player who has played the Euros and Olympic Games. You think you can use him after that? It's impossible. I don't know what people think when they organise these competitions."

Wenger also believes there is no way the decision can be left to players and wants the FA, who yesterday said they did not want to "lock ourselves in" to a hard and fast decision on the matter, to show leadership.

Wenger said: "Personally I think that is a very bad idea because, if the players decide if they play or not, whatever decisions they make they could be found guilty towards the club or towards the federation or to their country.

"The worst thing is to leave that decision to the players. The FA has to be a little bit responsible.

"If I ask you now who won the Olympic Games 20 years ago you would have problems to tell me. If I ask you who won the Euro Championship you know better and the World Cup even better.

"It is a tournament (the Olympics) that you want England to do well in, but we have to be sensible and not make silly decisions. I believe the federation and clubs have to sit together and analyse the situation for every single player."

Although it was suggested privately earlier this year that no player selected for England's Euro 2012 squad would double up for the Olympic side as well, there has been a subtle shift from that position.

Club Wembley chief executive Adrian Bevington suggested that the FA did not want to get "locked in" with Stuart Pearce's selection policy.

It led to the raising of a possibility that members of Fabio Capello's squad in Poland and Ukraine who do not feature extensively in the tournament could then appear at the Olympic Games if they expressed a desire to be involved.

Wayne Rooney's name was then inevitably put forward by the media as someone who may be affected.

Sir Alex Ferguson himself stated in Romania on Monday that there was a real possibility his best player may not get a game at Euro 2012 because England are not certain to advance from the group stage, for which Rooney is suspended.

However, the FA is irritated by those claims, and has insisted its intention was merely to leave the whole selection issue open.

"At no time during Thursday's media conference to announce the Team GB Olympic Coaches did the FA representatives at any stage suggest or propose the names of Wayne Rooney, any Manchester United player or Jack Wilshere as possible members in the Olympics squad," said an FA statement.

"Furthermore, The FA did not say players would be selected for both tournaments, but stated clearly the organisation would not be locked into a policy of ruling it out.

"We also made it very clear the need for sensible dialogue with clubs, players and representatives and that everything would be handled with common sense."

Ferguson will welcome that approach as he is dubious about the merits of asking players to get involved in major tournaments without having adequate rest.

"I would be over the moon," he replied tongue-in-cheek, when asked about the prospect of his players being picked for Euro 2012 and the Olympics.

"This is spurred by the fact that Argentina and Nigeria played their strongest teams in the last Olympics.

"It has given an opening for the British Olympic team to start thinking the same way.

"But we have a different type of football to abroad. The intensity of the English game is second to none. It is an exhausting, exacting season.

"That is why I keep saying that I never expect England to do well in the European Championships or the World Cup.

"The players have gone through a hell of a season. It is very difficult to get the bar up again."

And evidently, Ferguson feels the same way about the Olympics as he does the major senior Championships, where England has underperformed so often.

"It is exactly the same with the Olympics," he said.

"I don't see how they can possibly get the players up to raise the bar after the season they have had in our game.

"They need their rest, they need their pre-season training.

"They need their recovery and recuperation from small injuries they get throughout the season.

"I am sure it won't make any difference to them (the BOA) what I am saying, but it is a fact."

The Football Association did not rule out the possibility of players appearing in both tournaments when Stuart Pearce was confirmed as manager of the Team GB football team for the London Games.

And Team GB chef de mission Andy Hunt claimed home nations associations would "not stand in the way of any player who wants to be involved".

But Ferguson, speaking ahead of Sunday's derby clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford, thinks it is unrealistic to expect players to double up.

"This has been spurred by Argentina and Nigeria sending out their strongest teams (to the Olympics) last time," said Ferguson.

"That has given the BOA an opening. But our league is different. Players need their rest and to recover.

"I do not see how it is possible (doubling up with Euros). I am sure what I am saying won't make any difference but it is a fact."

Turning his attention to the derby showdown with City, who top the Premier League table two points ahead of United, Ferguson said: "I have always accepted a challenge. It has happened time and time again.

"They are top of the league. We have to do something about it."

Ferguson revealed that he has no fresh injury worries after United's 2-0 Champions League win over Otelul Galati.

Pearce, the former England captain and current boss of the Under-21s, was unveiled at a Wembley press conference along with Hope Powell, who was installed as head coach of the GB women's team.

Pearce insisted he wants his team, if possible, to be made up of players from all the home nations even though the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football associations are all officially opposed to a Great Britain team as a concept, fearing it could jeopardise their independence with FIFA.

Welsh players, Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, however, have already stated they want to play in the Games.

Pearce said: "I'm not going into this job looking only to select English players. It should be made up if at all possible of all the home nations.

"They should come forward and put their players up for selection. A lot of it will depend on the players' mentality. If the players want to be part of it then that would be fantastic. I think they will.

"I think they will be very, very excited to be part of this showcase of football. Dialogue will come into it between myself and the federations and the managers concerned and I think support will be galvanised as the months go by and the tournament nears kick-off."

On whether 36-year-old David Beckham might be included as one of the three over-age players allowed in the 18-man squad of Under-23 players, Pearce would not be drawn.

"I've no idea as yet," Pearce said.

"I've not seen him play recently. He's a bit too old for the Under-21s.

"Everyone will be up for selection. Form and fitness will determine who I pick. The FA have said to me the decision is totally yours, you pick who you deem right and proper to be part of this spectacle."

To highlight what the Games mean to players Pearce cited the example of Argentina's Lionel Messi, who took his club Barcelona to court to guarantee his release for selection at the 2008 Games.

Pearce said: "To have the opportunity to galvanise our national game on such a massive stage as the Olympics is a massive honour.

"Take the role models that have gone before, such as Lionel Messi, who actually went to court to fight his club to get released to go to a major tournament such as the Olympics.

"With the announcement of myself and Hope as managers it really sparks it off and puts it in the players' eyes less than a year to kick-off. It is exciting. If I was a player I would be certainly doing everything I could to be put up for selection.

"I was privileged to be around for Euro 96 and the excitement created around this stadium and if we get on a roll the excitement could generate something special."

The English FA initially said no-one taking part in Euro 2012 would be available for selection but insists now this is not a hard and fast rule which could mean players such as Wayne Rooney, banned from the first three matches at Euro 2012, might yet be available for Olympic selection.

The last time Team GB was represented in the men's Olympic football competition was the 1960 Games in Rome when they beat Taiwan, drew with Italy and lost to Brazil and failed to advance to the medal round.

Team GB has never competed in a women's Olympic competition and Powell, head coach of England women since 1998, said: "The fact that we are on home soil with the opportunity to play at Wembley for women's football is a fantastic honour.

"It will really help us to raise the profile of women's football."

Vidmar wants his Olyroos to be bolstered by overseas players after a scoreless draw against United Arab Emirates in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

The draw was the first of six matches against UAE, Iraq and Uzbekistan - the winner of the group will book a berth at next year's London Games.

Vidmar's outfit against UAE comprised players from domestic A-League ranks, with overseas stars such as Tommy Oar and Matthew Leckie held by their clubs.

Vidmar said he would again plead with clubs to release their Australians, but believed he had only a "slight chance" of success.

But all Olympic qualifying round matches fall on non-FIFA dates, meaning clubs aren't compelled to release players for national duty.

Vidmar said there were about six eligible Australians playing in Europe who could strengthen the Olyroos.

"We are going to do everything we possibly can to get them but we can't count on it," he said.

"We will be in contact with them very shortly but, because they're non-FIFA dates, it's always going to be a problem."

Vidmar said the Olyroos' away matches in UAE, Iraq and Uzbekistan were the best chance for clubs to release the Australians.

"The only slight chance we have is the travel is not so far from Europe to the Middle East so, if we have any chance, it might be that," he said.

"It's not an easy thing because the clubs don't want to release their players.

"We'll try, we'll have some good communication with them and hopefully get a little bit of luck."

Australia was fortunate to earn one point for the draw against UAE, being outclassed for much of the Hindmarsh Stadium encounter.

"I have still got to be positive that we got a 0-0 result and got a point, we're on the board - it's not exactly what we wanted but that gives us a little bit of hope," he said.

"I'm still confident that we can give it a good shake but, in saying that, we certainly need to play a lot better than we did."

In front of an expectant home crowd in Tosu, Japan beat Malaysia 2-0, with a goal in either half breaking the visitor's doughty defence.

Dominating the game throughout, Takashi Sekizuka's side opened the scoring in the 10th minute after midfielder Keigo Higashi latched onto a defence-splitting pass to slot the ball beyond the Malaysian goalkeeper.

The home side frayed its supporters' nerves spurning several good chances and finding Malaysian keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in top form.

But a 76th minute strike from substitute Ryohei Yamazaki secured the three points.

"We had the first goal early on in the game. Our plan was to defend the lead and go for additional goals," said Japan coach Sekizuka adding his side would need to be less profligate against fellow Group C teams Bahrain and Syria.

Korea Republic also scored two without reply to beat Oman in Changwon, courtesy of a glorious 23rd minute free-kick from Yoon Bitgaram and a nicely taken second in the 74th minute by Cerezo Osaka midfielder Kim Bo-kyung.

Yoon, who won the foul just outside the box, got up to take the free kick and angled the ball into the top right of the net.

He turned provider in the second-half feeding Kim to seal the win.

Korea is grouped with Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Group A. Its next game is against Qatar on 23 November.

Where Japan and Korea won comfortably, Australia struggled in a turgid encounter with the United Arab Emirates, which ended 0-0.

Going into the match as favourite to win the group, the Olyroos were outplayed by the visitor for large periods of the match.

UAE striker Ahmed Khalil menaced the Aussie goal throughout the first half, blasting just wide from 25 yards out after the half hour with goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne beaten.

Khalil nearly broke the deadlock three minutes later after finding the net only to have the goal ruled out for offside.

Australia had two golden chances to turn the tide in the second half, both courtesy of influential Mitch Nichols.

But the Brisbane Roar midfielder failed to latch on to an inviting 59th minute cross and steered a diving header into the hands of UAE goalkeeper Adel Mohamed ten minutes later.

Australia, which routed Yemen 7-0 over two legs to reach the group stage, will be determined to raise its game against other Group B opponents Iraq and Uzbekistan.

The 12 teams jostling for a berth at the London Games are divided into three groups of four and play each other home and away. The winners qualify for the Olympics automatically, while runners-up in each group play a three-way round-robin.

The winner of that contest enters a play-off with a side from the African confederation to advance to next year's showpiece event.

Football world governing body had earlier confirmed that Hayatou, who is still under investigation by the International Olympic Committee's ethics commission over corruption allegations, had been appointed as chairman of both the organising committee for Olympic football tournaments and of the GOAL Bureau that distributes money for development projects.

FIFA's website also listed Hayatou as the new chairman in the list of committees.

In an embarrassing about-turn, however, FIFA said Hayatou has not been appointed to the positions.

A statement from the world governing body said: "Due to a technical error, appointments for FIFA Standing Committees have appeared on the FIFA website. The appointments for the chairman and deputy chairman of the FIFA standing committees will be communicated in due course.

"Therefore, Issa Hayatou has not been appointed as chairman of the organising committee for the Olympic Football Tournaments."

FIFA later confirmed that neither has he been made chairman of the GOAL Bureau, a position that has become vacant following the life ban handed to Mohamed Bin Hammam for bribery.

Both appointments had been announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), of which Hayatou is president.

Hayatou, from Cameroon, is also an IOC member and they confirmed that the investigation by their ethics commission into allegations of corruption made by the BBC's Panorama programme last year is still ongoing.

An IOC spokesman said: "The ethics commission is independent but my understanding is that the investigation is still continuing."

Panorama alleged Hayatou took payments of £20,000 from now-defunct FIFA marketing partners ISL in the 1990s.

He has denied the allegation and insists the money was a payment towards CAF's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Hayatou has been a member of the IOC since 2001. He chaired FIFA's Olympics committee from 1992 to 2006.

Issa Hayatou, the president of African football, has been appointed by FIFA to head the organising committee for the Olympic football tournaments and as the new chairman of the GOAL Bureau that distributes money for development projects.

The IOC has confirmed that the investigation of Hayatou by the ethics commission into allegations of corruption made by BBC Panorama's programme last year is still ongoing.

An IOC spokesman said: "The ethics commission is independent but my understanding is that the investigation is still continuing."

Hayatou replaces Korea's Chung Mong-Joon as head of FIFA's Olympic committee, and takes over from Mohamed Bin Hammam, the former Asian confederation president who was banned for life for bribery, as chairman of the GOAL Bureau.

Panorama alleged Hayatou took payments from now-defunct FIFA marketing partners ISL in the 1990s.

He has denied the allegation and insists the money was a payment towards the African Football Confederations 40th anniversary celebrations.

Hayatou, from Cameroon, has also been a member of the IOC since 2001. He chaired FIFA's Olympics committee from 1992 to 2006.

The Australian under-23s were fortunate to finish 0-0 when outplayed by their skilful opponentsat Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium.

One of a dozen Asian nations seeking three berths at next year's Games, Australia missed a chance to secure valuable home points in the first of six matches against UAE, Iraq and Uzbekistan.

The visitors dominated the opening half and perplexed the Olyroos with a series of attacking forays, most featuring Ahmed Kalil, a striker who won the 2008 Asian Young Footballer of the Year award.

The skilful Kalil blasted a 25m left-footed shot just wide in the 31st minute which had Australian goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne beaten.

Three minutes later the 20-year-old Kalil, who has scored nine goals from 25 appearances in UAE's senior side, found the net from metres out only to be ruled offside.

But the visitors' best chance came a minute later when Australia captain Oliver Bozanic inexplicably lost control of the ball in defence and gifted Ali Ahmed a free run at goal.

But the UAE midfielder hesitated near the penalty spot, allowing Bozanic to make amends with a desperate diving tackle which spilled the ball over the goal line.

Australia had two gilt-edged chances to turn the tide in the second half, both courtesy of influential midfielder Mitch Nichols.

Nichols failed to latch on to a close range header opportunity from a prime Aziz Behich cross in the 59th minute.

But just 10 minutes later Nichols connected sweetly with a diving header - only for the attempt to land in the hands of goalkeeper Adel Mohamed.

Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar said his side's "performance was not up to scratch"

"It was certainly a difficult night for us," he said.

"We just struggled all night, even to control the ball.

"We couldn't find our rhythm for whatever reason ... maybe it was a little bit of nerves because we started very jittery."

The group winner will book a berth at the London Games.

Runners-up in each of the three Asian groups play a three-way round-robin tournament with the winner playing an African nation to advance to the Games.

The three heavyweights will be hot favourites to top their respective groups and secure qualification as 12 teams jostle for coveted slots at the London Games.

Australia, fresh from routing Yemen 7-0 over two legs in the previous round, faces unfancied United Arab Emirates in Adelaide, with coach Aurelio Vidmar confident his side can reach the Olympics.

"There's good spirit, the players are super keen and what I like most is they're a close, tight, group," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The important thing is to win your home games, which is why we need to get off to a good start."

The other fixture in Group B is in Tashkent and sees Uzbekistan taking on Iraq, which reached the group stage by beating arch-rival Iran.

In Group A, Korea Republic, a 4-2 aggregate winner over Jordan in the previous round, takes on Oman in Changwon while Saudi Arabia and Qatar meet in Riyadh.

Korea Republic coach Hong Myung-Bo sees the group opener as key to qualifying for London and has stressed the importance of good preparation for the away games.

"Our preparations will be important against those tough teams," Hong said after the draw, according to Yonhap news agency. "There are no easy games in the final round."

Qatar, chosen to host the 2022 World Cup, is hoping new coach Paulo Autuori will inspire a strong campaign.

Speaking after his appointment the Brazilian said he was lured by the challenge of boosting the tiny desert nation's footballing fortunes as it looks towards the World Cup.

For Japan, which beat Australia earlier this year in the final of the AFC Asian Cup, the reward for beating Kuwait is a Group C home game in Tosu against Malaysia, which held out for a dogged win over Lebanon in the last round.

Malaysia's coach Ong Kim Swee acknowledged his side is a long-shot for qualification but identified home matches as the key to its chances.

"We are aiming to get full points from all three of our home matches," he said. "If we can do that we stand an outside chance to qualify."

Syria takes on Bahrain in Group C's other game, which has been moved to the Jordanian capital Amman after a bloody crackdown by Damascus on anti-government protests.

The teams are divided into three groups of four and play each other home and away. The winners qualify for the Olympics automatically, while runners-up in each group play a three-way round-robin.

The winner of that contest enters a play-off with a side from the African confederation to advance to next year's showpiece event.

Men's football is played as an under-23 tournament at the Olympics, although the rules allow for three over-age players. The group stage wraps up in March next year.

Vidmar's team hosts United Arab Emirates at Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium as 12 Asian nations begin jostling for coveted Olympic spots.

The Olyroos meet UAE, Iraq and Uzbekistan in home and away matches culminating next March.

"It's really important that you start with a home win," Vidmar told reporters on Tuesday.

"If we can win all our home games, that will obviously put us in a pretty good position when we go away.

"They're not easy games, it's a very very difficult group ... but I'm very confident that this (Olyroos) group can qualify."

Vidmar said the Olyroos' training camp in Adelaide for the past week lifted his confidence.

"We really haven't missed a beat to be honest, so I have been really pleased with the whole preparation," he said.

"Our group as a whole is what is going to get us through, we have got a lot of good players in key areas ... they're extra eager to get themselves to London."

Vidmar said UAE would be a difficult opponent but he was more focused on playing to Australia's strengths.

"We don't want to pay too much focus on them, and really focus on what we need to do," he said.

"If we can play the way I know we can play, we'll create a lot of chances and hopefully be on the right side of putting a few in the back of the net."

Australia, Japan and Korea Republic are favoured to win outright Asian qualification berths for the Olympics.

Nations are divided into three groups of four with winners advancing to London.

Runners-up in each group play a three-way round-robin tournament, with the winner playing an African nation to advance to the Games.

And even that might not be enough to book the Matildas a ticket for London.

The Matildas still have a slim chance of finishing second and qualifying for the Olympics, but it would require them defeating Korea and Thailand to defeat DPR Korea.

DPR Korea is currently second in the six-team round-robin on eight points while the Thais have lost all four of their matches.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said that the team was focused on their final match and nothing else.

“Winning will definitely put us third,” said Sermanni.

“That’s the aim and we can’t think about anything else.

“This game’s going to be as difficult as the games against DPR Korea and China,” he said.

“It’s important that we go out with a positive attitude and focus on the task at hand, just as we did in the match against China.”

Sermanni said that he hoped a number of players who had been struggling with injuries will be available for the match.

“In this tournament, we’re been more hampered by injuries than we have in previous tournaments,” he said.

“Kyah Simon and Caitlin Foord will not be available for the match against Korea Republic.

”Although they are not 100 per cent fit, there’s a good chance that Sarah Walsh and Sally Shipard will be available for selection.”

The top two teams in the section will qualify for the Games.

Vidmar has selected his squad solely from the ranks of the A-League, with 13 members who were part of the squad that defeated Yemen 7-0 on aggregate over two legs in the second round of qualifying in June.

Coming into the squad for the first time for the current campaign are local Adelaide United defender Daniel Mullen, along with Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Heart), James Brown (Gold Coast United), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC) and Ben Kantarovski (Newcastle Jets).

Vidmar knows that the opening match against UAE will set the scene for the rest of the qualification campaign.

“Under this competition format, it is very important to get off to a positive start, especially when playing at home,” said Vidmar.

“We will have a good ten days preparation in the lead up to the match which will include a training match against a South Australian select team (on 12 September).

“With all the squad currently in pre-season with their clubs, we are going to have to work hard to ensure that we are match fit by game time.

“But I am confident that the players that have been selected will be up to the challenge and they will be ready for the campaign ahead,” concluded Vidmar.

The kick-off time for the match has also now been amended to 8:00pm ACST and will be broadcast live and exclusive on Fox Sports.

The Olyroos have been drawn alongside Iraq, Uzbekistan, and UAE in Group B of the third round of the Asian Qualifiers.

The winner of each group from the third round will automatically progress to next year’s Olympic Games. The three second-placed teams from the third round will clash in a play-off tournament for the right to playoff against an African team for another spot at the Games.

Olyroos squad: Aziz Behich (Melbourne Heart), Mark Birighitti (Adelaide United), Oliver Bozanic (Central Coast Mariners), James Brown (Gold Coast United), Kofi Danning (Brisbane Roar), Mate Dugandzic (Melbourne Heart), Diogo Ferreira (Melbourne Victory), Matthew Foschini (Melbourne Victory), Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC), Jason Hoffman (Melbourne Heart), Marko Jesic (Newcastle Jets), Benjamin Kantarovski (Newcastle Jets), Matthew Jurman (Brisbane Roar), Daniel Mullen (Adelaide United), Scott Neville (Perth Glory), Mitch Nichols (Brisbane Roar), Andrew Redmayne (Brisbane Roar), Sebastian Ryall (Sydney FC).

Match Highlights: Australia v Japan

The Matildas made it to half-time unscathed with a series of fine saves from goalkeeper Lydia Williams but were brought unstuck by Nahomi Kawasumi in the 62nd minute at the Shandong Sports Centre, China.

Tom Sermanni's side is left languishing on three points from three games after its 1-0 first-up loss to DPR Korea but hit back with a 5-1 win over Thailand in its second match.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sermanni congratulated the Japanese team on its victory, and said it was the better team on the day.

“In reality, we were completely outplayed by the Japanese,” said Sermanni.

“Japan are playing with a huge amount of confidence and belief at the moment.

“We knew the games in this tournament were going to be very tight, with a question mark about where we would be at having to back up after the Women’s World Cup.

“We felt that we were well prepared and well rested going into the game, which we thought might have given us an edge. But that turned out to be incorrect.

“The key thing now that is a test of our abilities and of our character is that we still have two games left in this competition. There is still the possibility of qualifying for the Olympics. While that’s still alive, we need to go out and perform.”

World Champion Japan maintains its lead at the top of the group with a 100% record from it's first three games.

The Matildas now face an uphill battle against China, on Thursday, and Korea Republic, on Sunday, to finish in the top-two of the tournament to qualify for London.

Matildas line-up: Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), Teigan ALLEN, Thea SLATYER (10. Servet UZUNLAR 71’), Kim CARROLL, Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, Caitlin FOORD, Collette MCCALLUM (c) (17. Kyah SIMON 71’), Clare POLKINGHORNE, Heather GARRIOCK, Lisa DE VANNA, Sarah WALSH (20. Michelle HEYMAN 83’).

Substitutes not used: Melissa BARBIERI (gk), Laura ALLEWAY, Tameka BUTT, Emily VAN EGMOND, Aivi LUIK, Sally SHIPARD.

In the day's other completed games, second-placed Korea DPR accounted for its southern neighbour Korea Republic 3-2 to move up to seven points while China is third in the group on five points after defeating Thailand 2-0.

Although the Football Association would not comment on the speculation on Friday morning, it is understood they have decided Pearce is the right man for the job.

He is certainly the most obvious candidate given he has coached the England Under-21 side since 2007, taking them to three major European Championship Finals.

This summer's disappointing performance in Denmark cast a cloud over Pearce's stewardship, although he was subsequently awarded a new two-year contract, covering the Olympic period.

He also, of course, has playing experience at major tournaments with England.

Even once Pearce's appointment is confirmed, uncertainty will remain over the exact make-up of the British team.

The British Olympic Association are desperate to field an authentic side at the event and earlier this year released a statement, in conjunction with the FA, stating they had reached agreement with the other Home Unions to do exactly that.

This was quickly rebutted by the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations, who fear the dilution of the Home Unions' status within FIFA should they join forces with their English counterparts.

Grudgingly, they have agreed to the participation of a squad made up of English players only, although accept they would be powerless to prevent any of their own players taking up an invitation should it be offered.

The matter is further complicated by the pledge of FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking that any player involved at Euro 2012 will not be asked to be part of the Olympics as well.

However, that was before the shock elevation of Manchester United players Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to the senior squad.

Pearce knows their absence from an Under-23 team which can also include three over-age players - former England skipper David Beckham has already declared an interest - would have an adverse effect on Britain's chances of being able to field a competitive team.

No decision has been made on who will coach the women's side, although Hope Powell has long been viewed as the leading candidate.

Sermanni said he was disappointed to see Kerr exit the tournament under such circumstances but is confident that she will make a full recovery.

"Sam’s injury occurred during a fairly innocuous challenge at training,” he said.

"Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens in sport, but importantly Sam is in as good spirits as you can expect at this time

"Sam is such a lively, popular member of the squad and creates such a vibrancy about the place that her presence will be sorely missed.

"All our thoughts are with Sam at the moment and we're all sure she'll bounce back.”

Kerr will return to Australia immediately for treatment. A possible replacement player will be announced in the coming days.

The Matildas will open their qualification campaign against DPR Korea on September 1.

Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar is looking forward to kicking off his team’s campaign with a good start on home soil.

“The results of our home matches will have a large bearing on whether we qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games, so it is extremely important for us to get a positive start in our first match against the UAE,” Vidmar said.

“Personally, I have plenty of great memories here at Hindmarsh Stadium, so it is a great advantage for us to play our opening match of the third round here in Adelaide.

“We’ll also have a good 10-day training camp in Adelaide in the lead-up to the match to make sure we are fully prepared to start our campaign,” Vidmar said.

South Australia's Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Tom Kenyon, was proud that Hindmarsh Stadium was chosen to host the opening match of qualification campaign.

“This game will be the first step in ensuring that this team will be able to represent Australia in the men’s football competition at next year’s London Olympics,” he said.

“The last time we saw the Olyroos in Adelaide was back in May, 2007 in a qualifier for the Beijing Olympics when they downed Iran 3-1 in front of more than 6,300 spectators, so let’s hope we see a similar result next month.”

The venues and kick-off times for the remaining matches of the campaign are expected to be confirmed by the AFC in the near future.

Asia is allotted three-and-a-half slots for the London 2012 Olympic Gamers men’s football tournament.

The winner of each group from the third round will automatically progress to next year’s Olympic Games.

The three second-placed teams from the third round will clash in a play-off at a centralised venue from 25 to 29 March, 2012, and the winner of this group will then meet the representatives of CAF (Africa) for a berth at the Olympic Games.

Ticketing details for the match will be released shortly.

The proximity of next year's Olympic football tournament to the start of the 2012-13 domestic season is likely to be a concern for a number of managers.

With some players possibly on international duty at Euro 2012 from June 8 to July 1 and then the Olympics from July 26 to August 11, the potential for club-versus-country rows is obvious.

The matter is more pertinent than for past Olympics with Great Britain due to field a side in the Games for the first time since 1960.

Moynihan said: "I think for the clubs there will be a growing interest.

"It will put the names of their under-23 players firmly on the map.

"I think the Football Association will work very closely with the clubs to make sure they are engaged and see the benefits of their players being part of the Olympic Games.

"The public are massively behind the Games and I anticipate that because it is principally an under-23 tournament, the clubs will recognise that the visibility of their players in the Games will add value to them and their clubs."

Moynihan believes British football can learn lessons from different sports and other countries in dealing with the matter.

He said: "We have a similar issue in cycling where we have the professional circuit and the Tour de France, and British Cycling saying success for our cyclists at the Olympics is our number one priority.

"The professional circuit and the tours benefit from those riders coming forward and getting success at the Olympic Games.

"I think that will happen in football.

"It already does internationally, in South America and particularly Brazil and Argentina.

"It is a stepping stone towards World Cup success. It is a platform those countries place massive priority behind when it comes to developing world-class talent.

"I think we can learn from that."

Moynihan also has no doubt the public will embrace the Olympic football tournament despite the under-23 element restricting the number of top-class players available.

The event will be played at six stadia around Britain, at Wembley, the Millennium Stadium, Hampden Park, Old Trafford, St James' Park and the Ricoh Arena.

Moynihan said: "The public really relates to players who aren't necessarily making the headlines today, but may well do so during the Olympic Games.

"That is good news for the players and the clubs.

"I think there will be a momentum building towards the Olympic Games and Team GB."

The Bani Yas midfielder has become an internet sensation with clips of his outrageous penalty on video-sharing site YouTube attracting millions of views.

Awana scored the penalty with his team already 6-2 up in a friendly against Lebanon, nonchantly jogging towards the ball, but then spinning 180 degrees at the last minute and scoring with a back-heeled kick.

The 21-year-old was shown a yellow card by referee Ali Hassan for his antics and a furious UAE coach Srecko Katanec hauled him straight off the pitch, despite Awana having only come on as a substitute 10 minutes earlier.

"I refuse fame when built on wrong-doing," a remorseful Awana said from the UAE training camp in the desert city of Al Ain, quoted by Gulf News.

"I apologise to the UAE and Lebanese players and fans, and I am so sorry if they regarded my penalty kick as a gesture of disrespect.

"I was just thinking of doing something spectacular and entertaining and I was astonished to see that my colleagues and our technical staff were not happy. At that moment I felt that I did something wrong and I apologised to my coach and colleagues in the dressing room after the match."

Team manager Ismail Rashed called the way the penalty was taken 'disrespectful', saying: "We cannot accept anyone in our team who does not respect the opponent and does not respect the people who are working, or the supporters."

But Rashed told the Dubai-based sport360 newspaper the following day that the player's immediate international future was not in doubt.

"The player will continue with the team. Everything is fine, there is no division between him and the team or him and his team-mates," Rashed said.

"The decision on the player's punishment will be left up to the coach," he said, adding that he would meet with coach Katanec in the next couple of days to decide whether Awana should indeed be punished.

The Olyroos were handed a draw from hell in their bid to qualify for next year's football tournament.

Uzbekistan, Iraq and United Arab Emirates will provide Vidmar's under-23 side with a stern test but the coach is hoping that the side's attacking instincts will be decisive.

”Our ability in the front third to create chances is probably something that I'm really excited about,” Vidmar told The World Game.

”This comes naturally to a lot of the players.

”When you look at people like Rocco Visconte, Mitch Nicholls, Aaron Mooy, Oliver Bozanic and Jason Hoffman, I just feel that this is our real strength.

”I'd like to think that our attacking play is our major asset.

”There is still plenty of work to do, but I could see signs in the Japan game (3-1 loss) and the two games with Yemen (7-0 aggregate win) that give me a lot of confidence.

”I think we have got a very talented group, actually. I am excited and really enjoying working with some very good individuals.

”They are very professional and I just love their attitude.

”This, of course, does not guarantee success but it gives you a very solid foundation.”

Asian qualifying for the Olympics is down to the last 12 teams that are split into three round-robin groups.

The three winners will go through automatically and the three runners-up will face each other in another round-robin, the winner of which will meet the fourth-placed African team for a spot in the Games.

Australia's first game is at home to Iraq on September 21 at a venue yet to be determined.

Vidmar said the prospect of playing in an Olympic Games in the mother country should serve as an extra incentive for his players.

”I'm sure the boys would relish the opportunity to play in an Olympics, especially in London,” Vidmar said.

”It certainly is a fantastic opportunity.

”However, I don't think that Paul Okon (his assistant) and I will have any problems getting these players motivated.

”They will all be very keen to play and do well.”

The venues for the 2012 Olympic football tournament are Wembley Stadium in London, Old Trafford in Manchester, Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, St James's Park in Newcastle, City of Coventry Stadium in Coventry and Hampden Park in Glasgow.

"It's human nature to want more," Sawa, with a gold medal hanging from her neck, told a packed news conference at a hotel in Tokyo after the team arrived at the capital's Narita airport, thronged by 400 fans and 250 media.

The gutsy 32-year-old playmaker added: "With this gold medal in front of me, I really feel that my next goal is to grab the Olympic gold medal as we have yet to get any medal at the Olympics."

Japan, which finished fourth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, came from behind twice to beat world-number one and twice champion the United States 3-1 on penalties in the final of the World Cup in Frankfurt.

It was the first football World Cup title for any Asian country and lifted spirits in Japan, which has been recovering from the 11 March earthquake and tsunami which left 21,000 people dead or missing and sparked a crisis at a nuclear power plant.

With its teamwork, crisp passing and never-say-die attitude more than offsetting its physical shortcomings, Japan upset host and holder Germany and Sweden on the way to glory.

"I've come a long way as a member of the Japanese national team over 18 years. I never thought I would get the gold medal," said Sawa, whose career included a stint with US side Washington Freedom.

"The Asian Olympic qualifying round will start this year with other tournaments and matches coming up soon," she said. "I want to condition myself for the battles ahead."

Asian qualifying will be held in China in September with six nations - Australia, China, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and Thailand - vying for two Olympic berths.

"We still lag behind the United States and Germany in many aspects," admitted Sawa, who won the golden boot with five goals and was named the most valuable player at Germany 2011. "We must improve individual skills much more."

Japan coach Norio Sasaki said: "We were gutted when we finished fourth in Beijing. We will really want a medal at the next London Olympics.

"We need to reinforce our basics and stay on our guard."

Both Sawa and Sasaki believe the World Cup victory will boost women's football at home, where many players are less privileged in wages and conditions than their counterparts in the west, especially the United States.

"I really think Japanese women are fit for football. I want them to feel like kicking a football because it's fun," the coach said.

Sawa added: "I want to tell children to have a dream - and never give up."

The Olyroos, however, have their work cut out to qualify, and will then have to take things one step at a time if they are to get anywhere near winning Australia's first Olympics football medal.

How different things might be for the Olyroos if they could be sure of fielding their strongest eligible team.

But coach Aurelio Vidmar acknowledges he will have a battle convincing clubs to let go of his overseas-based stars, including K-League defender Luke De Vere, Dutch-based Tommy Oar, English trio Rhys Williams, Shane Lowry and Chris Herd, Scottish Premier League players Aaron Mooy and Ryan McGowan, and Borussia Monchengladbach signing Matthew Leckie.

Vidmar has faith in his A-League players, led by captain Oliver Bozanic, his Central Coast team-mate Mustafa Amini, Brisbane Roar pair Mitch Nichols and Rocco Visconte, and Melbourne Heart striker Jason Hoffman, who banged in five goals in the two-leg qualifier against Yemen in June.

"We will certainly do our utmost to get the strongest possible squad, but we'll have these problems throughout the campaign," said Vidmar.

"We've still got extremely capable players in the A-League.

"I am confident they can do the job."

The Olyroos will start favourites to win their final Asian qualifying group but need to finish on top to be sure of going to next year's Olympics.

Their biggest stumbling block will be Iraq, who dumped them in the quarter-finals of the Athens 2004 Games.

If they finish second, they must fight for a spot in a further play-off round at the end of March.

They have reached the Olympic quarter-finals three times before, but could be hard-pressed to repeat that achievement, let alone match the fourth place Eddie Thomson's 1992 squad managed.

Their female counterparts, by contrast, are on a roll after winning the Asian title for the first time in 2010, then reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive time at Germany's 2011 event.

The youthful Matildas, captained by goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, contain seven teenagers and 11 players who are 21 or under.

They boast Sydney FC strikers 16-year-old Caitlin Foord, who was awarded the Best Young Player trophy at the World Cup and 20-year-old Kyah Simon, the first indigenous player to score at a World Cup for Australia.

Add to them the impressive Ellyse Perry, another Sydney 20-year-old, who is the only woman to have played in both football and cricket World Cups for Australia.

Perry scored one of the goals of the 2011 World Cup in the 3-1 quarter-final loss to Sweden.

Coach Tom Sermanni must steer his team to a top-two finish at Asia's final six-team qualifying league in September.

The Matildas, now ranked 11 in the world, have only made it to the Olympics twice before and never gone beyond the quarter-finals.

But they are confident of bettering that in England.

Host and defending champion Germany crashed out of the women's World Cup when it was floored by an extra-time goal from Japan, which will now meet Sweden in the semi-final in Frankfurt.

Despite winning the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, Germany's defeat to Japan at the women's World Cup will also cost it a ticket to the London Olympics.

Sweden's 3-1 win over Australia in Sunday's quarter-final means it joins France and Japan in the last four.

The Swedes and French now qualify to compete at the women's football tournament for London 2012 as the best two European teams from the women's World Cup, while England, which lost to France, qualifies automatically as the host.

But Germany coach Silvia Neid said the Germans' absence from London will give them more time to prepare for Euro 2013 to be hosted by Sweden.

"This means that we now have one-and-a-half years' time to prepare for the European championship in 2013," said Neid, with Germany as defending European champion.

"Our aim has to be to reach the European championships and the fact that we won't be at the Olympics won't harm the development of women's football here."

Australia’s U-23 men’s side has been drawn in a tricky group for the third round of the AFC qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Drawn into Group B, Aurelio Vidmar’s side will play Iraq, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.

“It’s tough. A challenge. But all the groups are hard so that’s the way it is and now we’ll see how we go,” Vidmar said.

“The first thing we will do is have a look at the DVD’s of the team’s from the last round of qualifiers to start our preparation process.

The head coach said he squad is likely to be weighted more heavily with A-League players as the match days fall on non-FIFA dates, although some overseas-based players will be used where possible.

“We will certainly do our best to get the strongest possible squad for every match," Vidmar said.

“In the next week we will also sit down with FFA management and map out our campaign schedule which will include training camps and where we will play our home matches.”

The Olyroos will face the UAE in their first match in September. The time and venue are still to be determined.

Group A: Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman.

Group B: AUSTRALIA, Iraq, Uzbekistan, UAE.

Group C: Japan, Bahrain, Syria, Malaysia.

The twelve AFC teams remaining in contention will play home and away matches against group rivals. Asia is allotted 3.5 slots for the 2012 London Olympics football tournament. The winners of each group will qualify for the London Olympics while the runners-up of each group will qualify for the play-off.

The match days are: Match Day 1: 21 September 2011 (Wednesday), Match Day 2: 23 November 2011 (Wednesday), Match Day 3: 27 November 2011 (Sunday), Match Day 4: 5 February 2012 (Sunday), Match Day 5: 22 February 2012 (Wednesday), Match Day 6: 14 March 2012 (Wednesday).

Oceania Football Confederation general secretary Tai Nicholas said next month's Pacific Games tournament in New Caledonia could no longer be used for qualifying for Brazil 2014 or the women's tournament at the London 2012 Olympics because Guam was a member of the Asian Football Confederation.

"FIFA have been very clear that they cannot approve a FIFA qualifying event where non-OFC members are participating," Nicholas said.

He said FIFA had now approved a new four-stage World Cup qualifying format within the Oceania region.

The last Pacific Games in Samoa in 2007 formed part of the Oceania qualifying series for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This year's games will involve 11 men's and 10 women's teams.

Nicholas said the first stage of the new Oceania World Cup qualifying process will involve the four lowest-ranked OFC member associations - American Samoa, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga - taking part in a league-based tournament in late November.

The second stage will see the revival of the OFC Nations Cup in which eight countries - Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu and the winner of stage one - will take part in a tournament which will culminate with semi-finals and a final. The tournament will be held 1-12 June next year, with the winner representing Oceania at 2013 the Confederations Cup.

The four highest-placed teams from the second stage will then contest a third stage involving a round-robin, home-and-away playoff series, likely to take place between 7 September, 2012 and 26 March, 2013.

The winner of the third stage will advance to the inter-continental play-off for a place at the World Cup in Brazil. FIFA will decide on 30 July whether the OFC representative will face an Asian, Central American or South American opponent.

Nicholas said the new qualification format will provide extended interest for regional football fans.

"The withdrawal from the Pacific Games has given us the opportunity to review the qualification pathway and we believe we have developed several events that will cater to the needs of our members and fans across the Pacific," he said.

The women's Olympic qualifying series will now involve a three-stage process.

New Zealand will be seeded to the second stage, while the eight other OFC nations who are also IOC members - American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu - will play a tournament with semi-finals and a final.

The winner of the preliminary stage final will then play New Zealand in a one-off match hosted by the preliminary winner. As was the case for the 2008 Olympics, the winner of this match will qualify for the London Games.

Athletic Bilbao prospect Ander Herrera rounded off a fine team move by heading home the opener in the 41st minute, the first goal the Swiss had conceded in the championships in Denmark.

Barcelona's Italy-born youngster Thiago Alcantara, son of 1994 Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho, put the result beyond doubt nine minutes from time, producing the perfect finish after spotting Yann Sommer off his line.

Belarus earlier secured the fourth and final European ticket to the 2012 Olympics by beating Czech Republic 1-0 in the third-place play-off in Aalborg.

The Olyroos accounted for Yemen 7-0, on aggregate, with a 3-0 win in Gosford last Sunday and 4-0 in Newcastle on Thursday.

Newcastle born Jason Hoffman, who made his A-League debut with the Jets and plies his trade with Melbourne Heart as a striker, weighed in with five goals - a hat-trick on Thursday - to give the Aussies a comfortable passage in the two-legged tie.

Before his flurry of Olympic qualification goals, Hoffman had had a barren A-League career, netting just twice in 41 matches.

"As a striker scoring goals gives you a lot of confidence," said Hoffman.

"It's just what I needed because after the A-League season, I didn't have a good year at all."

After Thursday's match, Vidmar was relaxed and somewhat confident the Australian-based boys will get the job done and qualify for the Olympics.

Australia, Korea Republic and Japan have been seeded into the next round which begins in September.

The three Asian Football Confederation heavyweights head up the three groups of four to play a home-and-away series. The winner of each group will head to London for the 2012 Olympics, while one of the teams finishing second have a second chance at qualification.

"I've been really happy with everyone," said Vidmar.

"The majority of the players will be (from the) A-League. We will try and get the strongest squad possible."

Scottish Premier League midfielder Aaron Mooy is one of several overseas players Vidmar is hopeful will be available to bolster an already-impressive squad.

Mooy played the second half in Gosford and the full game in Newcastle, scoring the fourth goal to complete the Olyroos' whitewash of Yemen.

Having only played 14 matches for St Mirren, Mooy was ecstatic to get some game time, but has yet to discuss with manager Darren Lennon the next phase.

"I'm happy with my performance but more happy that we got through. That was the important thing," Mooy told AAP.

"I haven't spoken to him (Lennon) yet. We'll see what happens. Hopefully they will (release me) because I enjoy playing for Australia.

"Me and the manager are pretty tight."

Spain needed extra-time before beating Belarus 3-1 while Switzerland edged out the Czech Republic 1-0, also in extra-time.

Belarus and Czech Republic meet in Aalborg on Saturday to play off for the bronze medal and Europe's last remaining place on offer at the Olympics.

The Olyroos claimed the two-legged tie 7-0 on aggregate after beating Yemen 3-0 at Gosford's Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday in the first leg.

Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar made two changes to his starting side from Sunday's match, bringing in midfielder Aaron Mooy for Isaka Cernak and shot-stopper Dean Bouzanis for Andrew Redmayne.

Newcastle-born Hoffman bagged a first-half brace with two superb headers, the first coming after a Rocco Visconte free kick on 18 minutes.

Mooy was the provider for Hoffman's second goal on the half hour, chipping Yemen's goalkeeper Shukri Abdullah for Hoffman to head home.

Hoffman, having only scored twice in the A-League, scored again in the second half to take his Olyroos tally to five after twice finding the back of the net in Gosford.

Mooy, who has played 14 times in the Scottish Premier League for St Mirren, extended Australia's advantage to 4-0 in the 68th minute with a left-foot drive from half-time substitute Cernak's cross.

The Olyroos dominated the game and could have had at least another two goals before the break, with Marko Jesic twice spraying shots wide at the near post.

Olyroos line-up: 18. Dean Bouzanis (gk), 2. Sebastian Ryall, 4. Matthew Jurman (3. Ryan McGowan 62’), 5. Aziz Behich, 6. Oliver Bozanic (c), 8. Aaron Mooy, 9. Jason Hoffman, 10. Mitch Nichols (13. Diogo Ferreira 46’), 11. Rocco Visconte, 12. Marko Jesic (7. Isaka Cernak 46’), 14. Matthew Foschini.

"The objective was to get to the next stage so we're pleased with that," Olyroos coach Aurelio Vidmar said.

"Once the first goal came in it was really all over, we controlled the game again, but we could have had a few more."

Australia, Korea and Japan have been seeded into the next round and will head up the three groups of four to play a home-and-away series.

The winners of each group will head to London for the 2012 Olympics, while the second-placed teams get another chance through a play-off system.

Player availability is likely to be a key challenge for Australia in the next round.

"We are in a situation where they are all non FIFA dates," Vidmar said.

"So the majority of the players will be A-League (players) because they can be released but the boys playing overseas, that's going to be touch and go."

The three other home associations are adamant they are not party to the "historic agreement" announced by the British Olympic Association on Tuesday.

FA general secretary Alex Horne said: "We have been very clear since the Olympic Games were awarded to London that the FA is committed to Team GB football teams.

"We have been flexible in working with the BOA and other home nations regarding the makeup and selection for these teams being a collective of all home nations, or all English sides.

"It is clear that under the Olympic Charter there has to be a non-discriminatory selection process for all players. These are not the FA rules.

"We are sensitive to the concerns of the other home associations in relation to each of our individual identities, and we have been assured by FIFA there is no threat to each association. However as an organisation the FA has been mandated by the BOA to organise a men's and women's team for the 2012 Olympic football tournament across the UK.

"All three associations have notified us in writing that they acknowledge that legally we are entitled to support the BOA in the selection process."

The sale of 1.7million Olympic football tickets will begin on Friday but the BOA insist that has "absolutely no bearing" on the timing of the announcement.

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan said he had emailed Horne as recently as on Monday night stating their opposition and was stunned to see Tuesday's announcement.

Regan told Press Association Sport: "I sent Alex Horne an email saying we could not support or endorse the Team GB but that we recognised from a legal position we couldn't stand in the way of a player opting to play for Team GB.

"I asked if we could be kept in the loop so to see an announcement made today came as a shock to me and all the other associations. None of us knew this was going to happen.

"We are very surprised and disappointed."

The BOA said the FA had consulted the other associations about player selection. A 'long list' of players from across Britain will be drawn up by the managers of the men's and women's teams, and the players will be asked to confirm their availability. An announcement of the two squads of 18 players will be made in the summer of 2012.

The British men's team will be made up of under-23s but three over-age players are also allowed. The women's team can be of any age.

Australia's under 23s need only to seal an aggregate win at Newcastle's Bluetongue Stadium to progress to the next phase of Asian qualifying for next year's London Olympics.

And Vidmar said his young players had shown enough maturity since arriving in camp to suggest they can finish off the job without hassle.

"2-0 or more is always a bit of a scary scoreline but I think these kids are mature enough," Vidmar said on Wednesday.

" ... Most of these boys have been in these positions before, they've been in the under 17s or 20s and come up through tournaments, so they understand the dangers of this game.

"That's the coaching staff's job too, to make sure that they're motivated and don't take their foot off the pedal.

"Because we all know, if we concede one goal, then everything's up for grabs again."

Vidmar was delighted with how his young players had approached the two-legged tie, played solely in Australia because of the political unrest in Yemen.

"They've been the perfect son-in-laws you could say," Vidmar said.

" ... It's not easy being in the camp for two weeks because at some stages living together it gets a little bit testy, but the mood has fantastic.

"It's never easy also for the guys who don't get to start and are sitting on the bench but they've been the main ones who have been sparky and positive."

Vidmar kept his selection cards close to his chest, saying he would wait until after Wednesday night's final training session before deciding with to stick with the same starting side from Sunday's first leg win in Gosford.

He hoped Australia could put its Middle Eastern opponent to the sword after several chances went begging in the first match.

The winner of the tie earns a spot in the next phase of qualifying, where 12 Asian teams are split into three groups of four.

The winners of each group qualify directly for the London Games while the second-placed teams get another chance through a play-off system.

The announcement by the BOA was made with the knowledge of the Football Association but came as a shock to the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish FAs.

It means young players such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey of Wales, Northern Ireland's Jonny Evans and Scotland's Barry Bannan could play in a Great Britain shirt next year. It also affects selection for the women's team.

The BOA said the FA had consulted the other associations about player selection. A 'long list' of players from across Britain will be drawn up by the managers of the men's and women's teams, and the players each asked to confirm their availability. An announcement of the two squads of 18 players will be made in the northern summer of 2012.

Welsh FA president Phil Pritchard was furious, telling Press Association Sport: "We are not part of any agreement. The FA have no authority to speak on our behalf - they do not represent Wales whatsoever and that's a fact.

"We have not discussed this at any time recently."

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan spoke to his FA counterpart Alex Horne as recently as Monday night but was not aware any announcement was to be made.

Regan said he was 'very surprised and disappointed' at Horne's comments in the BOA statement, where the FA general secretary said he was 'pleased that the team will be selected from players across the home nations'.

Horne said: "I'd like to thank our counterparts at the Welsh, Irish and Scottish FAs for their understanding on what is a difficult issue.

"We will look to confirm coaches of the men's and women's teams in due course to allow them to plan and prepare their squads for the games."

The BOA claimed that all the associations were aware there could be an announcement this month.

A BOA spokesman said "Contact [from the FA] has been continuing with the home Associations right up to the last 24 hours as part of a consultation process that has been ongoing for the last 18 months. All the home associations were aware of the prospective timeline, including the possibility of an initial announcement in June, since mid-May."

The three home associations have long opposed an all-British team at the London Games, fearing it could affect their separate identities in world football, and saying the team should be made up of English players only.

There has been a stand-off for the last couple of years with the BOA insisting the Olympic Charter would not allow them to discriminate against players from other parts of Britain.

A joint statement from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish FAs claimed their views had been ignored. The statement said: "No discussions took place with any of us, far less historic agreement been reached, prior to the statement from the BOA being released.

"The associations are committed to supporting the individual home nations playing all representative football under their respective flags as independent members of FIFA and UEFA."

The British men's team will be made up of under-23s but three over-age players are also allowed. The women's team can be of any age.

The last time Team GB was represented in the men's competition was the 1960 Games in Rome. It has never competed in the women's Olympic football tournament.

BOA chief executive Andy Hunt said: "Seeing Team GB take to the pitch in 2012 will be one of the defining moments of the London Olympic Games. It would be unthinkable to host the Olympic Games in Great Britain, home of the world's most knowledgeable and passionate football fans, and not have Team GB represented in both men's and women's football."

Some 1.7 million Olympic football tickets will go on sale on Friday, with matches all around the country including Glasgow and Cardiff.

Meanwhile, in a further statement FA general secretary Alex Horne said: "We have been very clear since the Olympic games were awarded to London that the FA is committed to Team GB football teams.

"We have been flexible in working with the BOA and other home nations regarding the make-up and selection for these teams being a collective of all home nations, or all English sides.

"It is clear that under the Olympic Charter there has to be a non-discriminatory selection process for all players. These are not the FA rules.

"We are sensitive to the concerns of the other home associations in relation to each of our individual identities, and we have been assured by FIFA there is no threat to each association.

"However as an organisation the FA has been mandated by the BOA to organise a men's and women's team for the 2012 Olympic football tournament across the UK.

"All three associations have notified us in writing that they acknowledge that legally we are entitled to support the BOA in the selection process."

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said he had emailed Horne on Monday night stating its position and was stunned to see the announcement.

Regan told Press Association Sport: "I sent Alex Horne an email last night saying we could not support or endorse the Team GB but that we recognised from a legal position we couldn't stand in the way of a player opting to play for Team GB.

"I asked if we could be kept in the loop so to see an announcement made today came as a shock to me and all the other associations. None of us knew this was going to happen."

The Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Football Associations have all expressed opposition to such a team and Regan reiterated the SFA's stance.

He insisted that there have been no discussions with Hunt and no indication of interest from any of the men's and women's squad players who have been consulted.

"Our position remains: we are opposed to taking part in Team GB," Regan told the SFA's official website.

"I was surprised by Andy Hunt's comments, especially since we have had no dialogue with him.

"We signed a letter to FIFA in 2009 which gave the FA the right to represent the Home Nations as Team GB.

"We need to protect our identity and we have no interest in taking part.

"We have consulted with the Association of Tartan Army Clubs and they are opposed to participation in Team GB and we have also spoken with the squads, who have shown no appetite for it, either."

Regan believes some dialogue with the SFA should have taken place before Hunt went public with his comments.

He said: "Communication is essential on these matters and, given that we have been in dialogue for some time, it would have been helpful if we'd all had the chance to speak on the matter before anything was made public."

Regan added: "I guess Andy is under a great deal of pressure from the London Olympic Games Organising Committee and the International Olympic Committee to get tickets on sale for the football events.

"As we know, there isn't a final position on Team GB as far as football is concerned.

"We haven't spoken to Andy. We've had dialogue with the Football Association but our position on the matter hasn't changed."

On FIFA's stance on the matter, Regan said: "FIFA have made it clear as far as they're concerned, they're passing the matter back to the British Olympic Authority and to England to try to get to a successful position as far as a Team GB is concerned.

"We've seen FIFA's comments and they've stated they were prepared to give assurances that there wouldn't be any future repercussions if Scotland do participate in Team GB.

"However, we're aware that any change of FIFA Executive Committee in the future can overturn that decision.

"Therefore, it's very important for us to maintain our independence. Scotland has a seat at the FIFA table, it has a seat at the International FA Board under the banner of Scotland.

"As far as we're concerned, that's something we feel is very important and something that we wish to protect."

He added: "We recognise that, legally, there is nothing we can do to stop players putting their hand up and wishing to take part or being selected to take part.

"But it's something that we wouldn't endorse and wouldn't be prepared to put our independence at risk over."

BOA chief executive Andy Hunt is increasingly hopeful that the likes of Wales internationals Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, for the men, and Scotland's Julie Fleeting, for the women, will get a chance to play for Olympic gold.

But Hunt indicated that failure to secure an agreement could mean the BOA deciding not to enter teams for fear of breaching Olympic anti-discrimination rules.

"I have been at this for over two years," Hunt told Inside the Games.

"I am incredibly positive that we will get to an outcome where we will field a men's and a women's football team.

"We have got some final things to resolve ... but I am incredibly positive.

"More positive than I have ever been before when asked that question."

The sticking point has been the unwillingness of the Irish, Welsh and Scottish football associations to sanction the selection of their players.

They fear a dilution of power within world football governance - the loss of the FIFA vice-presidency guaranteed to one of the four home associations and their places on the International FA board - as well as pressure to unite permanently as Great Britain.

However, there is no legal impediment to a player from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland making themselves available for selection.

And Hunt's optimism is tempered by a warning that an English-only Great Britain team might see the BOA fall foul of International Olympic Committee rules.

"Any policy that is discriminatory would be in breach of the Olympic Charter - it's as simple as that," Hunt said.

"That's why it was never acceptable to us to have a selection policy that may have only been for English players."

The Olyroos face the Middle Eastern nation in Gosford on Sunday with the second leg played in Newcastle four days later.

Heavy rain around the NSW Central Coast forced a practice match against Singapore last Sunday to be rescheduled to Sydney two days later.

A further dump of rain then forced Vidmar's players to train indoors on Wednesday.

It has meant a far-from-ideal preparation, with the vast majority of players already lacking in recent match play as they are attached to A-League clubs.

"It's not ideal going into these games without being in season, but that's what we've got," Vidmar told reporters via teleconference on Thursday.

"But I certainly don't feel that there's going to be a problem physically, they are in really good shape."

Vidmar described Yemen as a typical Middle Eastern side and was wary of being exposed on the counter attack.

"They are very, very good individuals, quick, they like to play the game a little bit direct and they have a lot of players running forward," Vidmar said.

"That's certainly one area that we will have to play really close attention to, we can't be exposed as we have been.

"That's something we've worked on as well during the course of this week."

A toe injury has forced Gold Coast's Tahj Minniecon out of the squad and Mirjan Pavlovic is also unavailable, with Vidmar calling up Central Coast's Sam Gallagher and Matthew Fletcher from English club Sunderland as cover.

"Football will be a massive part of the Olympics and it will be really exciting to see that," said the former Manchester United star, who now plays for Los Angeles Galaxy.

"This is the first time I will have been to an Olympics and I'll probably be there with my children.

"Football has been a part of my life for many years and to be a part of that would be incredible.

"We'll see what role I'll play in the build-up or at the Olympics but I'll be there as a fan.

"I want to watch athletes like (British heptathlete) Jessica Ennis and (British diver) Tom Daley, young athletes who are going to inspire so many young children around the world.

"For myself to be able to take my sons to an Olympics in our country makes me proud. Hopefully my daughter will be there as well," he added.

Victoria Beckham is due to give birth to the couple's first daughter next month.

Beckham was speaking at a sponsor's event to announce that Gabriella Roseje, an 18-year-old from Bermondsey in London, is the first successful nominee for the Olympic torch relay.

The former England captain, one of the world's best known sporting celebrities, helped secure the Games for London at a meeting of the International Olympic Committee in Singapore in 2007.

"When I was asked to be part of the Olympic bid, I was very sceptical at first because I'd never competed in the Olympics, I'm a football player," the 36-year-old midfielder explained on Monday.

"To be part of a team that was trying to bring the Olympics to my country, let alone somewhere where I grew up, was a great honour and very flattering.

"The moment when we got the Olympics was one of the most rewarding things of my career. It was so special.

"The Olympics means the world to everyone. It's such a great event to be part of," he added.

"I remember the rivalries between people like Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett (the British middle-distance greats who won gold at the 1980 Moscow Games in the 800 and 1,500 metres respectively).

"There will be some exciting athletes coming to our country, coming to London which is where I grew up. It's a very exciting prospect."

The prospect of fielding a British football team at the Olympics has provoked strong reactions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Many fans and officials fear it could be the start of a slippery slope that eventually sees those countries cease to be independent football nations, despite assurances from governing body FIFA.