Take a look around the world, and without a doubt, what you will see is that football is the most popular sport across the globe. From the legions of excited, shouting, and loyal fans who crowd the stands at Arsenal games to the World Cup teams filled with national pride, association football's popularity extends to all levels. Billions of people around the world not only love watching the sport, but they love playing it, too. While the quadrennial World Cup is often considered to be the tournament which crowns the world champion in the sport, there are other major competitions with just as much at stake ? like the Olympics, for example. Olympic football has a storied and rocky history, one characterized by highly contentious matches and the ever-present, looming shadow that politics often casts onto the Olympics. At the same time, though, there have been incredible victories and unbelievable stories played out on the world stage of Olympic football. Read on to learn more about how football became a part of the Olympics, how it cemented its place, and how it differs from some of the other major competitions in the world. Of course, we'll also touch upon some of the most memorable Olympic football moments. Whether it's an incredible save or a "blink and you'll miss it" goal that turns the tide, going for the gold in football always means an intense competition.

 

The history of football as part of the Olympics

Believe it or not, but football was a part of the modern Olympics from the very beginning, all the way back in 1896 when they held first modern era Games. However, this was not in a fully official capacity. It wasn't until 1908 during the Fourth Olympics in London that a true tournament took place between the nations.

At this time, FIFA was still a very young organization, and the World Cup did not exist yet. At the 1908 games, England itself took home the gold medal after defeating Denmark in the final by a score of 2-0. However, unlike other sports such as swimming, which have enjoyed uninterrupted status in the Olympic Games, football's story is more complicated.

Because the Olympics by nature are intended to showcase amateurs, who was considered eligible to play in the teams? squad became an issue of controversy. As the sport grew and they held the first FIFA World Cup in South America, the controversy over the game's place in the Olympics grew. Consequently, the sport did not make an appearance in Los Angeles during the 1932 games. After its reappearance four years later, though, it returned to a regular spot on the events roster.

 

The conflict between FIFA and the Olympics continued, however, with many smaller controversies arising over issues such as player pay, the age of eligible players, and so on. It was conflicts such as this that allowed Eastern Europe to dominate Olympic football for much of the mid-20th century. It was not until nearly the end of the century that teams from outside Europe began to clinch the gold. Perhaps one of the most triumphant victories came in 1996 when Nigeria won the gold and impressed the whole world. Later, Argentina captured the top prize in back to back Olympics, an incredible achievement.

Throughout much of its storied history, Olympic football has always had to play second fiddle to the enormity of the World Cup, though. However, that does not mean that it is any less prestigious or important for the players involved; many spend their lives training to make it onto the Olympic squad! Nonetheless, what are some of the key differences between the football we see played in the Olympics and the World Cup tournament?

 

What makes Olympic football different from the World Cup?

 

Overall, the differences between Olympic football and football as it's played in every other event are minor. However, these differences have caused quite a lot of vigorous debate over the years. Regarding the rules, however, the game is the same. Play proceeds on the same style of pitch and with the same time regulations no matter if it's at the World Cup or in the Olympics. Referees assess penalties in the same way, and players can still be sent off for particularly serious infractions.

Where are the major differences? That comes in the form of who is eligible to play on an Olympic team. Remember, we've mentioned past controversies about player age and amateurism. Because FIFA prefers to hold the power to crown "the best in the world," it and the IOC have had many disagreements. It was not until the early 1990s that professional players were allowed in the Olympics, and even then it was only with an additional concession. That agreement included the rule which has been the status quo since Olympic squads must comprise strictly of players 23 years old and younger, ensuring that pro players in their prime are strictly in FIFA's domain. However, compromises in recent years have led to a slight alteration in the rules: teams are now allowed three players over 23, but no more than that. Interestingly, no such age restrictions exist at all when it comes to women's Olympic football.

Recently, there was an attempt to lower the age limit even further, down to 21. The IOC vigorously opposed this move as it would have severely limited the available talent pool for Olympic football. After wrangling through various channels, the move was abandoned, and the age limit of 23 remains in place. For now, it seems as though a comfortable status quo exists between FIFA and the IOC. The two organizations have even agreed to avoid future scheduling conflicts to give both events the attention they deserve. Despite all this legalistic wrangling, the Olympics have produced many excellent performances. Let's look at a few now.

 

Three of the most memorable Olympic football matches

While Nigeria clinching of the gold medal in 1992 was stunning, the path they took to get there was even more unbelievable. On the ropes and trailing behind powerhouse Brazil in the semifinal round after starting strong, it looked like the Nigerians were about to be eliminated. However, the team banded together and rallied hard, stifling Brazil's offense and tying up the match just before the expiration of regular time. With a single goal in overtime, Nigeria told the world it meant business ? and that business was going on to the win gold. Unfortunately for Brazil, it would be on the end of a similar overtime defeat years later ? this time while competing for the gold medal, however.

The USA women's team stormed to victory with a late goal in overtime, propelling them to a stupendous win after failing to clinch the gold just four years earlier. The goal could not have come at a better moment, with the match nearly down to a penalty shoot-out. With a final score of 2-1, the game remains memorable for many Americans. The gold medal game going to penalty kicks isn't unheard of, however. At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Spain and Cameroon played each other to a standstill in a highly contentious match. After all of the regulation and added time, the score stood at 2-2. The solo drama of penalty kicks would have to determine the gold. The entire stadium was tense with anticipation. To the dismay of Spanish fans, an early kick was deflected wide by the crossbar. Cameroon stayed the course and drilled in all their kicks, securing another incredible gold medal for the African continent. These, of course, are just a few of the great Olympic football events ? every tournament produces many memorable moments!

 

What does the future hold for football at the Olympics?

Today, football at the Olympics often seems much less politically charged and motivated than in the past. Not only that but the sport's rocky history has certainly smoothed out; no one needs to worry about it dropping from the Olympic roster, that's for sure! We've seen the historical path the sport has taken to make it where it is today as well as some of the most outstanding performances in medal events. Who will be the next country whose team brings the gold medal back for bragging rights? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: we'll be in for an exciting time full of passion, heartbreak, and the thrill of victory every four years for the foreseeable future!