Olympics Overview: Soccer

— -- The Facts

WHERE: Various locations. Men’s final at Olympic Stadium; women’s final at Sydney Football Stadium.

WHEN: Sept. 13-14, 16-17, 19-20, 23-24, 26, 28-30.

MEDALS: Men’s and women’s team competition.

OUTLOOK: The men’s field consists of 16 teams. There are eightwomen’s teams. While professionals are allowed in the men’stournament, rules restrict teams to players under 23, except forthree exemptions.

The women’s tournament is open to players who areat least 16. Nigeria, the 1996 champion, along with Brazil,Argentina and Germany head the men’s field.

The United States, which won the first women’s gold medal four years ago in Atlanta, is again the favorite. Australia, as the host nation, earned anautomatic bid to both fields.

Who to Watch

Mia Hamm, USA: Most recognizable woman in the sport with world record 123international goals. Star of last year’s World Cup championshipteam with two goals, both game-winners. Member of four NCAAchampionship teams at North Carolina. Soccer’s female athlete ofthe year 1994-98.

Sun Wen, China: Is captain of the Chinese team and was one of the top scorer’s of the Women’s World Cup in 1999 with seven goals, earning outstanding player honors for the tournament.

Harry Kewell, Australia: Leeds United player is one of the hottest properties in club soccer. Has yet to make an impact on an international level onlybecause Australia failed to qualify for the last World Cup. Speedystriker has 21 league goals in three seasons at Leeds and three ineight appearances for his country.

Marcelo Salas, Chile: World Cup veteran nicknamed “El Matador” scored four goals to lead Chile into second round of 1998 World Cup. Had 12 goals lastseason in the Italian Serie A. Scored one goal and assisted on twoothers in Chile’s 3-0 upset of Brazil in South American World Cupqualifying.