For all the international accolades Brazil has amassed, there is still one glaring omission from its soccer resume - an Olympic gold medal.
The Selecao begin another quest to bring home that elusive achievement Thursday when they face Egypt in a Group C match in Cardiff, Wales.
Brazil has won five World Cup titles - the most of any country - but has failed to find similar success in this Under-23 tournament. The Olympics are the only FIFA-sponsored competition the Selecao have never won, finishing runner-up in 1984 and 1988 and winning the bronze medal in 1996 and 2008.
In Beijing, Brazil outscored opponents 11-0 in four matches before being routed by continental archrival Argentina 3-0 in the semis, settling for bronze by beating Belgium. As host of the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup, the demanding Brazilian fan base is expecting a nucleus to emerge from this team which can potentially bring a three-year run of glory capped with a sixth Jules Rimet trophy.
"We've got everything we need to be champions," Neymar, a favorite to be the top scorer in this tournament, told FIFA's official website. "I think Brazil are one of the favorites, no matter the competition. It's always been that way. We've got a very good side too, and players with a lot of potential."
The 20-year-old Neymar had a goal and an assist in a 2-0 friendly victory over Britain on Friday, once more showing all the reasons elite European teams will have to break the bank to pry him from club team Santos in Brazil. The forward has nine goals in 18 international matches with the senior Selecao.
Coach Mano Menezes, who also oversees the senior national team, likely will pair Neymar with Hulk, one of three overage players he was allowed to select. The FC Porto striker's game relies more on power than finesse, and the duo could torment opposing backlines all tournament long.
"He brings a lot of strength to the team," Menezes said of Hulk, who had 16 goals with FC Porto last season and three goals in 13 international matches with Brazil's senior squad. "His experience will be important in big matches. He has a great ability to be decisive."
Lucas Moura is another attacking player who can enhance his status for top European clubs with a breakout performance in England. The 19-year-old Sao Paulo winger has been courted by storied English squad Manchester United and Italy's Inter Milan.
Menezes used his other two overage selections to shore up Brazil's defense. Thiago Silva, who recently left Italy's AC Milan for France's Paris-St. Germain, and Real Madrid defender Marcelo also made the squad and will mentor Hulk's FC Porto teammates Alex Sandro and Danilo on the backline.
Those defenders may very well prove vital to Brazil's gold medal hopes after starting goalkeeper Rafael suffered an elbow injury in practice Monday that will keep him out of the tournament.
Neto, a reserve 'keeper for Italian club Fiorentina, will start this match.
"I didn't play regularly during the season but I played some matches near the end, that helped me get into a good rhythm coming into the Olympics," Neto said. "I'm prepared and focused. I feel confident."
Egypt is making its first Olympic appearance since 1992, and given the political upheaval of the north African country following the end of President Hosni Mubarak's regime, simply qualifying for London was quite an achievement. The Baby Pharaohs finished third in the continent's Under-23 championship in December.
The Olympic tournament will serve as a chance for Egypt to groom its up-and-coming players for senior duty, which has become a daunting challenge. The team failed to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations and has suffered from a lack of domestic league play, a result of a February riot during a match between al-Masry and al-Ahly that resulted in 70 deaths when supporters stormed the pitch.
Midfielder Hossam Hassan, who was on the field that day for al-Masry, is confident the Baby Pharaohs can take their first positive international steps in this tournament.
"The upcoming period is ours. Our generation is going to the Olympics after 20 years," he said. "We will take us to the World Cup also."
As Egypt tries to serve its youth, one of its standout overage players will lead it in London. Mohamed Aboutrika was one of coach Hany Ramzy's three overage selections, and the al-Ahly forward - revered nationally for his play and humanitarian work - has 33 goals in 90 international appearances and rallied the Pharaohs to a 3-2 World Cup qualifying win in June with two goals.
Aboutrika will add to a balanced Egypt attack which featured eight players scoring in qualifying. Ahmed Sherwida and Marwan Mohsen paced the Baby Pharaohs with three goals apiece.
Brazil will continue group play July 29 against Belarus at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, while Egypt's second group match will be against New Zealand on the same day and at the same venue.
