The 5 Best Olympic Events to Watch Today (Day 4: Tuesday, July 31)

Image via Complex Original

Team(s)/Athlete(s) of Interest: France and Argentina

Time: 3:00 p.m. (live) Eastern

Station: NBC Sports Network

Why You Should Watch It: As the only two teams in group A that can give team USA any real competition (although the US has already beaten France in this tourney), France vs Argentina serves as a good game for team USA to scout. Argentina ranks third in the world, second to Spain and team USA. Powered by Louis Scola and Manu Ginobili, Argentina is a formidable opponent who won the gold in Athens, and bronze in Beijing, and are looking to claim another medal, as this is the last time this current team as constructed will play in the Olympics together. On the flip side, France led by MVP candidate Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, has a mix of talented players and youth, looking to cause problems for opposing teams. Sharp shooting swingman Nicolas Batum will be out there to space the floor for Parker so he can attack the basket, and Diaw who could give headaches to post defenders. A lot of fire power on both teams, and the most intriguing here is Ginobili going up against his San Antonio teammates Diaw and Parker. Watch to see who will get bragging rights going into training camp.

Team(s)/Ahtlete(s) of Interest: USA and North Korea

Time: 12:15: p.m. (live) Eastern

Station: NBC Sports Network

Why You Should Watch It: Coming off their come from behind win over France last week, and a very chippy match with Colombia over the weekend, the Americans take on North Korea to close out group play. What may appear to be a meaningless game for Team USA since they already have enough points to advance, this match is still important for them. After looking confused and allowing France to score two goals in the first fifteen minutes of play, USA came back thanks to two goals by star Alex Morgan. If they want to beat North Korea, the Americans can't rely too much on Morgan, players like Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach have to step up. The Americans also need this game to work out the remaining kinks in their defense, and reestablish their confidence before entering medal play. A win here will also ensure them not having to play Japan, the same team who beat them in the World Cup finals last year. Needless to say, Solo and Co. have a lot riding on this game, so a win here is in their best interest.

Team(s)/Athlete(s) of Interest: USA

Time: 3:50 p.m. (live) Eastern

Station: NBC

Why You Should Watch It: Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte team up again in the 4x200 relay after placing second in 4x100 freestyle relay. With their egos bruised, the American rivals are on a mission to place first, so it's gold or bust for them. Can Lochte grab his second gold medal and help Phelps to his first in London, or will the pair come in second yet again?

Team(s)/Athlete(s) of Interest: USA

Time: 11:30 a.m. (live) Eastern

Station: NBC

The American team of Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman have to put their emotions aside after losing teammate and 2011 world champion Jordyn Wieber, if they want to beat Victoria Komova and Aliya Mustafina of Russia in the gymnastics all-around final. For the Americans, this will certainly come down to heart and how bad they want it. Going into the finals without their top competitor, Gabby and Aly have to have enough heart for themselves and Jordyn if they want to pull out this win.

Team(s)/Athlete(s) of Interest: Michael Phelps

Time: 2:45 p.m. (live) Eastern

Station: NBC

Why You Should Watch It: The defending champion Michael Phelps looks to defend his crown in the 200m butterfly. This event is supposed to Phelps' for the taking, but after placing fifth in the trials, he might not be a sure thing to win it all. Phelps may hold the record of fastest time with a 1:51.51, but after coming in fourth in the 400m freestyle, and second in the 4x100 relay, we might not see the return of the 2008 record breaking Michael Phelps. Stay tuned to see what happens.