11.   But after being upset by Spain in group play, the Russians were unable to lift their game against their former teammates from the Soviet Union.

12.   But for those keeping score, the U.S. has never escaped group play in the Olympics.

13.   But his boss, outgoing U.S. Soccer Federation president Alan Rothenberg, doubts the U.S. can make it out of group play.

14.   But overall the Americans opted to assess the big picture of surpassing their basic goal of advancing out of group play.

15.   Co-host Ghana was ousted by Tunisia, and pre-tournament favorite Morocco was knocked out in group play, leading to the dismissal of coach Henri Michel.

16.   First, Canada won a coin flip to reach the quarterfinals after tying with South Korea in group play.

17.   For the U.S. men, who never have advanced out of group play in the Olympics, squandering such a chance is a significant letdown.

18.   Getting beyond group play may be just as difficult a task this time around for the U.S.

19.   Greece is ranked ninth in European Champions League ratings, and only the top eight countries are seeded automatically into group play.

20.   His job was to prevent South Korea from becoming the first host nation to fail to advance beyond group play.