The home of Welsh rugby has welcomed the head of the 2012 Olympic Games to Cardiff today, just hours before the London Games kicks off with the Olympic football tournament at the Millennium Stadium.

Lord Coe was met by Stadium Manager Gerry Toms for an exclusive tour of the venue, during the final preparations for the first match of the women’s Olympic Football Tournament which takes place at 4pm when Team GB women’s team face New Zealand.

The eyes of the world will be on Wales as the tournament gets underway where around 38,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the Millennium Stadium event.

Eleven soccer international matches will take place at the stadium in Cardiff as the world’s biggest sporting event takes place in the UK.

The kick off today in Cardiff takes place two days before the official opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games which takes place in London on Friday.

Lord Coe was being joined by a host of other VIP’s in Cardiff for the first event of the 2012 games.

Culture Secretary James Hunt and Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan are scheduled to be in Cardiff for the opening match.

Mrs Gillan said: ”I want the whole country to take this opportunity to showcase everything that’s great about Wales and ensure a lasting legacy long after the Games are over.”

She said she was “immensely proud” that the games were beginning at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.  Supporters enjoying the carnival atmosphere in Cardiff for the game were being advised to turn up early at the Millennium Stadium.

Tickets are still available for today’s Olympic football action, which also includes New Zealand women’s team playing Brazil, according to London 2012 organisers.

Fans can visit the official London 2012 website for further information