The delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is now in full swing, with the globe’s most revered athletes and teams competing for some of the greatest accolades the world of sport has to offer.
Ever since Greece hosted the inaugural Summer Olympics in 1896, known back then as the Games of the I Olympiad, the quadrennial event has represented the very best of multiculturalism and global dynamism.
Indeed, the five Olympic rings represent the unity of five continents (North and South America being united for this purpose).
There are clear parallels between the values of the Olympic Games and the hospitality sector – we are an industry that brings people of different cultures together to experience unforgettable and sometimes even life-defining experiences.
So, to help get us into the Olympic spirit, Hotel Management is putting on its own competition in the form of a prediction poll for the Women’s and Men’s soccer events.
At the 2016 Games in Brazil, the home nation fared well in both tournaments. The men’s side secured gold by beating Germany in the final, with the Brazil women’s team securing a fourth-placed finish behind Canada (third), Sweden and winners Germany.
But which nations triumphed in Tokyo this year?
After several weeks of hard-fought competition, two nations emerged triumphant to claim the gold medals... were your predictions correct?
Women’s Gold Medal – Canada
Sixty percent of those who took our poll correctly guessed Canada would be victorious! Canada secured the Gold Medal after seeing off the much-fancied Sweden. Penalties were the friends of the Canadian’s, who scored one to equalise after a first half goal gave the Swedes a 1-0 lead.
The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Canada emerging triumphant in the penalty shootout, scoring three to their opponent’s two.
Following impressive third-place finishes at London 2021 and Rio 2016, this is Canada’s first Olympic Gold in the Women’s soccer event. For Sweden, this is a second successive Silver Medal after they lost to Germany in the final in Rio.
The bronze medal match between Australia and the United States was a thriller, with the Aussies coming back from 3-1 down at half time to win 4-3 thanks to an incredible second-half fightback, winning the game in the 90th minute.
Men’s Gold Medal – Brazil
Defending champions Brazil once again came away with the Gold Medal after beating Spain in a very close final match. The team was overwhelmingly favored by our readers, with 100% of those who voted predicting Brazil's victory.
Having taken the lead in the first half, Brazil were pegged back by Spain in the second half to take the match to extra time – a 108th minute goal was enough to see the Rio gold medalists retain their title with a 2-1 win.
For Spain, it is a disappointing end to the tournament. The 1992 Olympic champions were tipped for gold by many before the Games started, their squad packed with players who featured in this summer's European Championship.
The bronze medal match between Mexico and Japan took place on Friday and saw Mexico claim third prize after a comfortable 3-1 win.
Thanks for playing along and participating in our polls. Two lucky winners will have Amazon gift cards headed their way today!