Olympic football round-up

Reigning world and European champions Spain fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Japan in their opening match of the Olympic Games at Hampden Park.

Yuki Otsu scored the only goal of the game in the 34^th minute as he coolly slotted home a routine corner to leave Spain bottom of Group D after Honduras drew 2-2 with Morocco in the other game. 

Spain, who have won the last three major international tournaments, went into the competition as second favourites behind Brazil but they were unable to find their rhythm in an entertaining game which Japan could have won more comfortably.

La Roja’s cause was not helped when they were reduced to ten men shortly after conceding as Inigo Martinez was harshly shown a straight red card for pulling down Kensuke Nagai just outside the area.

Japan dominated for large periods of the second half and could have increased their lead were it not for the heroics of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.

Spain, who started with the likes of Chelsea winger Juan Mata and new Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba, will now look to kick-start their campaign against Honduras on Sunday.

In the earlier match, Morocco took the lead in the first half through an excellent Abdelaziz Barrada strike before Jerry Bengtson’s close-range effort restored parity for Hondurason the 56^th minute.

Bengtson bagged his second of the game from the penalty spot but Zakaria Labyad quickly levelled for Morocco, who were forced to hold on for a point after having Zakarya Bergdich sent off.

In Group C, Brazil had to hold off a spirited fightback from Egypt as they claimed a tight 3-2 win at the Millennium Stadium.

It looked like Brazil were going to run away with it in the first half after racing into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Rafael, Leandro Damiao and Neymar.

However, Mohamed Aboutrika reduced the arrears shortly after half-time and Mohamed Salah curled in a second 15 minutes from time to leave Egyptian fans dreaming of an epic comeback.

Brazil held on, though, and will look to seal their passage through to the quarter-finals with a win against Belarus in their next group game.

In Coventry, Belarus beat New Zealand 1-0 thanks to Dmitry Baga’s close-range header.

Meanwhile, Team GB were shown a glimpse of the potential dangers that lie await as Group A rivals Uruguay came from behind to beat UAE 2-1.

The Asian side started much the brighter of the two teams and grabbed a deserved lead through a well-taken Ismaeil Matar goal.  

Gaston Ramirez brought Uruguay back on level terms with a stunning free-kick before substitute Nicolas Lodeiro nicked the winner after neat build-up play from Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

All four teams in Group B are off the mark as Mexico drew 0-0 with South Korea while ten-man Switzerland held on for a 1-1 draw against Gabon.

An Admir Mehmedi penalty put Switzerland in control but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang levelled for Gabon to ensure it is all to play for in Group B.

Laurence Taylor, Olympic correspondent