LONDON (SE) - The Olympic hopes of the British men's soccer team come down to its final group game Wednesday night when it faces Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium.
Going into Wednesday's action, Team GB sits at the top of the Group A standings along with Senegal at 1-0-1. Earning at least a point against Uruguay will push it through to the quarterfinals in its first Summer Games appearance in over half a century.
However, manager Stuart Pearce is not getting too excited just yet: a loss, combined with a Senegal win over the United Arab Emirates, would quickly end an Olympic run 50 years in the making.
"I think Uruguay are still favorites in our group," said Pearce. "It is an instant knockout situation, there is all to play for and that makes it even more exciting.
"Senegal have been absolutely outstanding and they might think they have, on paper, the easiest game. They are looking a really strong team."
Uruguay came into the games as one of the favorites for gold and were expected to qualify from the group with ease, but a shock defeat to Senegal on Sunday leaves it needing a win in Cardiff to progress to the knockout stage.
On Sunday, UAE gave the host nation a temporary scare with a second-half equalizer to tie the game at 1. Nerves were jangling for the Brits before goals from Scott Sinclair and Daniel Sturridge sealed a 3-1 win and moved the team to first place going into the group-play finale.
"Our confidence began to come through, and when we got our second goal, I thought we could of got a couple more, and obviously Danny produced a great finish as well," said Sinclair. "The Gaffer spoke to me before the game and said 'when you get your chance, go make an impact,' so when I came on hopefully I did that.
"The work-rate (Craig) Bellamy puts in is exceptional, as well as his assist, while (Ryan) Giggs is a legend in the game so it's nice to be playing alongside these guys."
Despite not being top billing at the games, the men's soccer tournament has seen sellout crowds, and Sinclair sung the praises of the British fans at Wembley.
"It was a great atmosphere, I think it's amazing with all the nations behind us and supporting us. It's been great for us and if we can keep going, move forward and go through to the next round it will be fantastic for everyone we are representing.
"The main thing is to get through to the next round. It would be nice to finish on top, but if we don't finish on top and we still get through which is still great news."
The quarterfinals of the tournament will take place Saturday.
