Japan have shocked Spain by taking a 1-0 lead into half-time in the opening match of their 2012 Olympic campaign this afternoon.
With Honduras and Mexico fighting to an entertaining 2-2 draw earlier today, both sides will be looking to grab an early stranglehold of the group.
Spain dominated possession as expected, but seemed to struggle with the final ball as they threw away a number of good attacking platforms.
Japan were by no means parking the bus in front of the goal, however, and threatened a few times on the break, utilising their attacking pace to great effect.
With 10 minutes left in the first half Takahiro Ohgihara whipped in a corner that Yuki Otsu converted from close range to give the Japanese an unlikely lead.
It was almost 2-0 just minutes later as Hiroshi Kiyotake rounded David de Gea but put his shot narrowly wide.
Things went from bad to worse for Spain soon after as Inigo Martinez brought down Kensuke Nagai when the Japanese striker looked to be in on goal. Martinez was given a red card for his troubles, leaving Spain with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Barney Corkhill
