When David Beckham helped bring the Olympic torch from Greece to England last month, the London native was believed to be a sure bet to be named to the Great Britain Olympic soccer team as one of its overage players.
So much for that.
Beckham has been snubbed from the 18-player squad chosen by Great Britain team manager Stuart Pearce after having been included on the provisional 35-man roster. Beckham confirmed his omission from the team on Thursday. Reports suggest Pearce has chosen Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards as the three over-age players on the Great Britain squad.
Beckham has long been a high-profile member of the push to bring the Olympics to London, and when he was included on the provisional 35-man roster for the Great Britain team, Beckham was considered a strong favorite. Now, Beckham will be left to cheer the team on as a fan while he also helps the Los Angeles Galaxy climb out of the early-season funk they have endured.
Here are some other stories to get your Thursday going:
BARCELONA LAND ALBA
The long-rumored interest in starting Spanish national team left back by Barcelona has finally resulted in a transfer, with Barca announcing the acquisition of Alba from Valencia on Thursday. The transfer is a €14 million deal, with Barcelona paying half now and half next year.
Alba has been one of the real revelations of the European Championships for Spain, and will give Barcelona another dangerous attacking weapon on the flanks. Left back had become a position of need after the team lost Eric Abidal to a liver transplant that has jeopardized his playing career.
CORINTHIANS EARN COPA FINAL DRAW
An 85th-minute equalizer from Romarinho helped Brazilian side Corinthians grab a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores final series in Buenos Aires on Wednesday night.
Boca looked to be on their way to a vital victory after Facundo Roncaglia gave the home side the lead with a 73rd-minute strike to open up a defensive affair, but Romarinho spoiled the party in Argentina, setting up what should be an intense showdown in the second leg in Sao Paulo on Wednesday.
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What do you think of these developments? Surprised Beckham was snubbed for the Olympics? Think Barcelona will get back to their trophy-winning ways after adding a player like Alba? Who do you see winning the Copa Libertadores title?
Share your thoughts below.