The men’s Olympic soccer competition kicks off Thursday, a day before the opening ceremony, thus marking the official start of the Beijing Olympics. Sixteen nations will be vying for the gold.

Soccer at the Olympics is an absurd amalgamation of Olympic past and present, neither a pure amateur pursuit, nor a full-blown professional competition. The national teams are limited to players under 23 years of age, with three slots available for veterans 23 or older. The intent is to showcase young, up-and-coming talent, while providing for a few experienced leaders in each squad. But the precociousness of modern soccer players cannot be contained by an under-23 age limit. Indeed, some of the world’s best players can’t even legally order a beer in the America. So the supposedly limited talent on display at the Beijing Olympics is breathtaking. Which of the young stars will help their teams advance to the quarterfinals?

Group A

Ivory Coast, Argentina, Australia, Serbia

Argentina’s Olympic roster would be among the favorites even if everyone else could bring a full national team. At 21, Lionel Messi is already a superstar. Sergio “El Kun” Aguero, only 20, was named player of the year in Spain’s La Liga last season. Fernando Gago, a silky midfield playmaker for Real Madrid, will partner with Argentine legend Juan Roman Riquelme to control the passing game. Argentina is the deserved favorite to win the gold.

Ivory Coast’s soccer team, participating in its first Olympics, is strong and features more talent from the Ivorian domestic league than does the full national team. Led by Gervinho and Salomon Kalou, who complement the domestic talent with their European experience, Ivory Coast should join Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Australia also features an Olympic roster dominated by players from its domestic league. The captain, Mark Milligan, is a versatile midfield player whose name has been linked to several Premiership clubs. But the Olyroos (the name is a quirky combination of “Olympics” and the national team nickname “Socceroos”) could struggle in a strong group.

Serbia was a surprise qualifier from Europe. Lead by Zoran Tosic and Stefan Babovic, the Serbians should contend with the Ivory Coast to claim the second qualifying spot from Group A.

Quarterfinals Prediction: Ivory Coast, Argentina

Group B

USA, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria

Like in the 2006 World Cup, the U.S. has landed in a tough group. Not to worry; this is a strong American team. With Jozy Altidore partnered by Brian McBride — making his return to international soccer — in attack, the U.S. should not have trouble scoring goals. There is also plenty of midfield talent led by Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley. The only question mark for America is whether a relatively unknown defense can stand up against strong international competition.

The Netherlands were the Under-21 champions in Europe in 2007, and many talented players from that team are on the Olympic squad. Wingers Ryan Babel of Liverpool and Royston Drenthe of Real Madrid are rising stars in the soccer world. Veteran striker Roy Makaay will look to make the most of what is probably his last international tournament.

Japan’s soccer team qualified for its eighth Olympics. Most of the squad play for Japanese club teams, but Keisuke Honda, who plays in the Netherlands, is one of the better players. Japan, facing three tough opponents, would be an unlikely quarterfinalist.

Nigeria is a talented team that could also suffer from its inclusion in the tournament’s toughest group. The two Victors, Obinna and Anichebe, are a handful for opposing defenses, and Taye Taiwo, who plays for Marseille in France, will anchor the defense from his left fullback spot.

Quarterfinals Prediction: USA, the Netherlands

Group C

China, New Zealand, Brazil, Belgium

Brazil’s Olympic team is nearly as talented as Argentina’s. Ronaldinho takes one of the 23 and over slots and will be looking to restore his reputation after a tough season at Barcelona. He is joined by an array of young attacking talent. With Jo and Alexandre Pato up front, and Diego and Anderson in midfield, Brazil should win and win in style.

China is not a particularly talented team, but the home support will carry them through to the quarterfinals. Captain Zheng Zhi, who plays in England, and forward Dong Fangzhuo of Manchester United must shine for the hosts to live up to elevated expectations.

Belgium was a surprise qualifier from Europe. Lead by Vincent Kompany, an athletic and versatile player who can feature in defense or central midfield, the Belgians should keep games close but may struggle to score goals.

New Zealand is the least talented team at the tournament. In fact, it is fair to say they only qualified for the Olympics because Australia chose to move to the Asian region from the Oceania region in order to face better competition and get access to more World Cup qualifying slots. Defender Ryan Nelsen holds his own in England’s Premier League, but he will not be surrounded by enough talent to see New Zealand through to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals Prediction: China, Brazil

Group D

Korea, Cameroon, Honduras, Italy

Italy’s roster is comprised almost entirely of players from the domestic league, but unlike Australia or the Ivory Coast, this is not a weakness. Serie A is a world-class league, which should help the Olympic team. American turncoat Giuseppe Rossi (he was born in the states and raised in Clifton, N.J.; therefore he could and should play for the Americans) will lead the attack for Italy.

Cameroon will compete with Italy to win Group D. Alex Song, a talented midfielder, will key the passing game, while Andre Bikey is a rock in central defense. The Cameroonian squad includes other talented players who compete in the top European leagues, so there will be no experience deficit relative to Italy.

South Korea’s roster, by contrast, is made up of mostly domestic players that have not yet made their marks on the world soccer stage. Veteran defender Kim Dong-Jin who plays in Russia is a regular for the full national team and will need to have strong performances if South Korea is to advance.

Honduras beat America in the final of the Concacaf qualifying tournament to finish atop the region. Once again, the squad features mostly domestic league players, with defender Hendry Thomas, who plays in England, providing steel in the defense. Carlos Pavon, a national team veteran, provides experience up front. He’ll need to provide goals too if Honduras has any chance of qualifying.

Quarterfinals Prediction: Cameroon, Italy

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