Why not use this thread for news and updates on our how boys are doing at the Olympics. Naturally we don't give a **** about the tournament itself, but I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping our boys play well and come back to us fit and in-form.
Liverpool's Ryan Babel insists he is close to full fitness after he inspired Holland to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in a pre-Olympic tournament in Macau.
Back in the swing: Liverpool winger Ryan Babel returned earlier than expected from a recent injury, inspiring Holland to a 2-0 pre-Olympics win over Cameroon.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was reluctant to allow Babel, 21, to play for his country at the forthcoming Games in Beijing after the winger missed Holland's Euro 2008 campaign with torn ankle ligaments sustained in May.
Benitez feared that he former Ajax player would not recover in time for the start of the Premier League season and wanted him to continue his rehabilitation at the club.
But Babel has returned sooner than anticipated and is free to defy the club's wishes to play in Beijing.
A Fifa ruling declared all players aged under 23 must be released for the Olympics despite the event not featuring on the international football calendar, meaning Liverpool are unable to prevent the player from representing his country.
Upon his return to action Babel showed immense form, scoring the first and provided for the second of the game for strike partner Roy Makaay after coming on as a substitute.
Babel reported no adverse effects of his injury after the game, saying: "It is doing okay.
"I didn't have any moments throughout the game when it felt bad. It is definitely getting better.
"Last week I would say I was at about 85 per cent fitness and although it has been difficult, I think one more match and I will be ready for the Olympics."
Holland coach Foppe de Haan, meanwhile, believes Babel's impressive display has justified his decision to take part in the Olympics rather than continue his pre-season preparations with Liverpool.
"Babel is a good guy, he is very grown up and he knows what he wants," he said.
"Liverpool didn't want him to play but Babel really wanted to come and play in the Olympics.
"It is good for all concerned because if he plays well in the Olympics then he will go back to Liverpool a better player."
Holland play Ivory Coast in their final game of the ING Cup on Saturday before travelling to China for the Olympics, where the men's football competition kicks-off on August 7.
Liverpool's Ryan Babel insists he is close to full fitness after he inspired Holland to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in a pre-Olympic tournament in Macau.
Back in the swing: Liverpool winger Ryan Babel returned earlier than expected from a recent injury, inspiring Holland to a 2-0 pre-Olympics win over Cameroon.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was reluctant to allow Babel, 21, to play for his country at the forthcoming Games in Beijing after the winger missed Holland's Euro 2008 campaign with torn ankle ligaments sustained in May.
Benitez feared that he former Ajax player would not recover in time for the start of the Premier League season and wanted him to continue his rehabilitation at the club.
But Babel has returned sooner than anticipated and is free to defy the club's wishes to play in Beijing.
A Fifa ruling declared all players aged under 23 must be released for the Olympics despite the event not featuring on the international football calendar, meaning Liverpool are unable to prevent the player from representing his country.
Upon his return to action Babel showed immense form, scoring the first and provided for the second of the game for strike partner Roy Makaay after coming on as a substitute.
Babel reported no adverse effects of his injury after the game, saying: "It is doing okay.
"I didn't have any moments throughout the game when it felt bad. It is definitely getting better.
"Last week I would say I was at about 85 per cent fitness and although it has been difficult, I think one more match and I will be ready for the Olympics."
Holland coach Foppe de Haan, meanwhile, believes Babel's impressive display has justified his decision to take part in the Olympics rather than continue his pre-season preparations with Liverpool.
"Babel is a good guy, he is very grown up and he knows what he wants," he said.
"Liverpool didn't want him to play but Babel really wanted to come and play in the Olympics.
"It is good for all concerned because if he plays well in the Olympics then he will go back to Liverpool a better player."
Holland play Ivory Coast in their final game of the ING Cup on Saturday before travelling to China for the Olympics, where the men's football competition kicks-off on August 7.
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