(Sports Network) - Argentina won its first gold medal in soccer in 2004 and will try to become the fourth repeat winner at the Olympics when it opens play on Thursday, a day featuring only men's soccer. Argentina plays the Ivory Coast on Thursday in a full schedule of men's soccer. Argentina is one of the favorites, along with Brazil, in the 16-team field.

Lionel Messi, 21, is the star of the Argentine club, which also includes Boca Juniors midfielder Juan Riquelme, Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano and Inter Milan defender Nicolas Burdisso as its three overage players.

Hungary was the last country to win back-to-back gold medals in men's soccer in 1964 and 1968. Great Britain (1908 and 1912) and Uruguay (1924 and 1928) have also won consecutive golds.

Australia and Serbia play in the other game in Group A. Argentina and Australia are the only teams in the group to ever medal at the Olympics.

In Group B, the United States begins its quest for its first medal since 1904 when it plays Japan and the Netherlands plays 1996 gold medalist Nigeria.

Brazil, which features two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, opens its tournament against Belgium in Group C. China plays New Zealand in the other match in the group.

In Group D, Honduras plays Italy and South Korea plays Cameroon, which won the gold medal in 2000.

No events will take place on Friday because of the official opening ceremonies. Day 1 of the Games begin on Saturday.



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