Early defeats could prove costly and the gold-medal round essentially begins from day one. The US, Australia, Japan and China have a wonderful array of power hitters, but they could struggle against the off-pace deliveries from the pitchers from the likes of Cuba, Canada, Italy and New Zealand. Australia have probably got the best infield defensive line-up in the tournament, but not far behind are those of China, the US and Japan. Penetrating the inner line will be difficult for all teams. At this level it will more often than not be a case of the batters getting on base and the coaching staff getting them home.
Tactics play a major role.
Unlike many other sports where the coach's job is done once the team go on the field, the antics of Australia's Crudgington, the United State's Ralph Raymond, Japan's Taeko Utsugi and New Zealand's wily old fox Mike Walsh will play a role in the results. The softball contested at the Olympics is called Fastpitch. Find out why America will start as gold medal favourites but will face strong competition from Australia and China. It's all there on our Specials page. Click here .