Colombia vs. Sweden

They face off this afternoon in Group B of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (LIVE from 5:00 p.m. on DirecTV/FOX Sports). The Colombians are favorites to score their first points at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.

The team led by Carlos Restrepo is in Group B along with Nigeria and Japan. On paper, they are one of the favorites to finish in first or second place and qualify for the quarterfinals.

Colombia has important players. One of them is Teofilo Gutierrez, a figure for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. There is also Dorlan Pabon (Monterrey) and Miguel Borja (Atletico Nacional). The latter was a key player for his team in the recent final of the Copa Libertadores 2016.

The last time Colombia qualified for the Olympic Games was in Barcelona 1992. They lost two matches and only managed to draw one. They did not qualify for the final stages. This could be a great opportunity for the Colombian team.

Very little is known about Sweden. Astrit Ajdarevic is the oldest player in the group at 26 years old. The midfielder currently plays for Swedish club Orebro.

"It is essential that we arrive at the first match already identifying the qualities of each teammate, their movements. Knowing how our teammate likes to play," said Colombian player Helibelton Palacios.