Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

    BRASILIA. June 17 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian national teams of men's and women's handball on Tuesday intensified their training for the 2008 Olympics.

    On Monday, the brackets were selected by the International Olympic Committee. The Brazilian teams are expecting a tough first round in the Beijing Games.

    Brazil's women will play in group B against Russia, Germany, Hungary, South Korea and Sweden.

    Juan Oliveira, coach of the women's team, believes that group Ais weaker. "In theory, group A is weaker. Group B, where we are, is strong. Russia is the world ranked No. 1. Germany is currently ranked 3rd in the world. South Korea is the reigning Olympic runner-up."

    Oliveira will take his team to Santa Catarina to continue its preparation for the Olympics.

    The Brazilian men's handball team was drafted in group A for the Beijing Olympics, against Poland, France, Croatia, China and Spain.

    According to the team's head coach Jordi Ribera, "it is a very difficult group. There are teams that are European powerhouses as well as world contenders."

    Renato Tupan, the Brazilian men's player who currently plays for the German team of Wilhelmshavener H. Verein, agrees "we are in a difficult group. I think our toughest game will be against China. However, we have to enter into every game with confidence and concentration."