MX23RW : Tuesday, April 30 00:24:04| >> :600:53493770:53493770:

Match Analysis: Spain 0-1 Japan

Match Analysis: Spain 0-1 Japan
© PA Photos
Sports Mole dissects Japan's shock 1-0 over Spain on day one of the Olympic men's football tournament.

Spain's 2012 Olympic Games began in a surprising fashion as they were defeated 1-0 by Japan in their opening game this afternoon.

Spain entered the tournament as one of the favourites after their full team became the first side to win three consecutive major international tournaments this summer.

However, Yuki Otsu's first-half goal was enough to give Japan the shock victory that sends them to the top of Group D, while Spain find themselves propping the other three teams up at the bottom.

Here, Sports Mole dissects one of the biggest shocks in Olympic football history.

Sports Mole's analysis:

Spain's statistics:
Shots 6
On target 3
Possession 65%
Corners 6
Fouls 11

Japan's statistics:
Shots
12
On target 5
Possession 35%
Corners 4
Fouls 17

Was the result fair?
Yes, and the fact that it was is perhaps the most impressive thing of all. Spain started well but Japan always looked dangerous and had more clear-cut chances than their opponents.

Spain's performance
A far cry from the high standards we expect from any Spain team, regardless of their age. Looked assured in possession at the start but struggled with the work rate and pace of Japan, particularly when they were reduced to 10 men.

Japan's performance
Sensational. Didn't let Spain settle into their preferred rhythm for a prolonged period of time and never thought of parking the bus in front of the goal, even when leading by just one goal in second half injury time.

Sports Mole's man of the match
Goalscorer Yuki Otsu grabs this accolade. The striker never let the Spanish defence rest and deserved to get the goal that completed his side's famous victory.

Referee's performance
Decent performance from the ref with no big mistakes. Perhaps a bit niggly at times but got the big decision - Martinez's sending-off - spot on.

Biggest gaffe of the game
Martinez's tackle was a silly one to go for, especially with your team trailing. Brought down the striker as the last man and the ref had no option to send him off. Who knows what could have happened if Spain had kept all 11 men on the field?

What next?

Spain: Honduras are up next for Spain and, while they will still be expecting a convincing win from that game, they'll no doubt be taking it even more seriously than they may have otherwise.

Japan: Japan now top the group and will face Morocco in their next match, where they could secure qualification.

ID:36284: cacheID:36284:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4098:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Olympic rings
Read Next:
Spain 0-1 Japan
>
Read more about Yuki Otsu Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!