The first event in the 2012 London Olympics begins today—two days before the games are officially opened. Britain play New Zealand in the women's football competition at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games Sebastian Coe promised a magical atmosphere. He said the preparations would focus on the needs of the competitors and so far the feedback from the athletes village had been positive. President of the IOC Jacques Rogge hailed the preparation phase as a big success.