Britain Kick Off 2012 Football At Old Trafford

LONDON: Great Britain will kick off their quest for an Olympic football gold medal at Old Trafford next year as the dates and venues for their first round matches were revealed on Thursday.

Britain will also play group games at Wembley and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as Stuart Pearce's team aim to qualify for the knockout rounds.

The participation of a British team has been embroiled in controversy, with the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish FAs all opposed to the concept because of fears it may threaten their separate identities in world football.

However London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) chiefs are confident of doing brisk business for the Britain games when tickets go on sale again on Friday.

"The prospect of Team GB taking part in the Games has captured the imagination of the public and we are pleased to be able to confirm their group stage fixtures ahead of tickets going back on sale," LOCOG director of sport Debbie Jevans said.

"With teams like Spain and Brazil already qualified and fantastic venues across the country, the Olympic Football tournaments promise to be a great family day out at the Olympic Games next summer."

Britain's first game will take place at Old Trafford on July 26, a day after the football tournament is scheduled to begin, before a Wembley date three days later. They will then play their final group game in Cardiff on August 1.

The draw for the group stage takes place on April 24.

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