Olympic stage set for more feelgood factor as minnows front up to France

A tournament that has already captivated, thanks largely to Japan’s heroics, will hope to plug into the ultimate feelgood sporting event in modern English history when France and Romania meet in the Olympic Stadium’s first pool match this evening.

Too much can be made of venues at times and the urge to sigh is never far away when thoughts turn back to the opening of Croke Park to rugby and soccer when the Irish media pestered foreign visitors for their thoughts on the GAA’s stadium in Dublin 3.

Yet, there is no doubt but that players are genuinely excited about the chance to play in some of the world’s most iconic grounds over the course of this tournament’s six weeks with New Zealand players declaring themselves ‘stoked’ to have played in Wembley against Argentina last Sunday.