Brazil set gold standard but value lies elsewhere

The Olympics do not start properly until tomorrow but for many in Brazil the most important event of the Games begins today as the hosts bid to win football gold.

The only major trophy to have eluded the five-time world champions, the Olympic tournament has become a national obsession in Brazil – to such an extent that Neymar was rested for the Copa America to be fresh for the Games.

Nothing less than first place will suffice and bookmakers cannot see past the evens favourites, whose squad includes Marquinhos, Rafinha, Felipe Anderson and Gabriel Jesus, who yesterday signed for Manchester City for £27m, as well as Barcelona star Neymar.