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A new generation of Samba stars look ready to excel at London 2012 and impress the long line of heavyweight European suitors chasing the game's next iconic players

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By Alex Fisher

For excitement, entertainment and goals during the Olympic football tournament, forget Team GB and look no further than Brazil and their exciting new generation of stars.

It may be the first time that Great Britain have entered a football team in the Olympic Games since 1960 but, for the likes of Neymar, Oscar and Lucas Moura, they are following in a long line of Brazilians representing their country at the summer Olympiad.

The likes of Ronaldinho, Romario and Ronaldo have all represented Brazil at the games and the new crop of youngsters look set to make a similar kind of impact to those made by their predecessors.

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It is hardly a surprise that many of the current squad have attracted attention from the top European clubs, and this summer gives them the chance to shine in the spotlight a major tournament provides and possibly inflate their prices further.

The warm-up match against Team GB was their first chance to show everyone what they have got and they did not disappoint as they dominated possession, created numerous chances and showed Britain how much work they have got to do if they are to be successful in the upcoming competition.

All eyes will naturally fall on Santos' Neymar but it was the much-fancied Oscar who stood out as he conducted the play from the middle of the Riverside pitch. He strolled through the game, showing everyone what he is all about, barely breaking a sweat in a comfortable warm-up for the youngster.

The 20-year-old is not as flamboyant as team-mate Neymar - he does not naturally stand out, but when you watch him closely you see a midfielder who is comfortable in possession, can pass the ball accurately with both feet, loves going forward but is far from ignorant of his defensive duties.

His link-up play with Romulo in the centre of the pitch was fantastic to watch. It was as if they had played together for years as they made Tom Cleverley and Joe Allen chase all over the pitch just to get a touch of the ball.

So what of Neymar? The new wonderkid of Brazilian football, the new Pele, the Brazilian Messi. There's no doubt that the forward is a talented individual and a player who will light up the upcoming tournament. A move to Europe is surely not far away, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona all ready to make him an offer that he cannot refuse.

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And the forward delivered another mesmerising performance against Stuart Pearce's side as he gave James Tomkins, Micah Richards and Steven Caulker no rest. He is constantly on the move, always looking to find space or create room for a team-mate and in front of goal is exceptionally accurate - and don't forget the mesmerising bag of tricks that he has at his disposal, either.

His radar was slightly off in the opening stages against Team GB but he confidently fired home his penalty in the 35th minute, though after that it was a frustrating night as he was thwarted by Jack Butland on numerous occasions in the second half.  

And just when you thought an Olympic squad couldn't get any stronger, on came the elegant Ganso and the flying winger Lucas Moura. He may only be 19 but Sao Paulo starlet Lucas has already caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson and his outstanding club performances have prompted a final £32 million bid from Manchester United.

If Sao Paulo were hoping that his high price tag would deter potential suitors, they may be disappointed if he continues to deliver cameo appearances as he did against Great Britain. He may have only had 20 minutes on the pitch but it was more than enough time for Lucas to show what his game is all about, as he tore past Danny Rose with plenty of pace and direct running, as well as demonstrating an eye for goal.

The 18-man squad is not just about these three players, though; there are many more ready to shine and entertain us over the course of the coming weeks. There will be goals, tricks, flicks, acrobatics - and let's not forget those fancy dance moves.

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