Football: Japan stun Spain in Glasgow
Yuki Otsu’s first-half goal earned Japan a shock 1-0 victory over a talented Spain side at Hampden Park.
The 22-year-old capitalised on some abject defending to turn home Takahiro Ogihara's corner from six yards, while a sending off for Spain’s Iñigo Martínez before half time ensured a relatively comfortable second half.
Japan had never beaten Spain at any level of football at any tournament, but the Samurai Blue changed that today with a hugely impressive team performance.
In truth, the 1-0 defeat was kind on Spain, who could have found themselves on the wrong end of a hammering. Luis Milla’s side contained several players who were triumphant at this summer’s European Championship, but they were less than convincing in their first match at London 2012 and will need to improve in order to qualify from Group D.
In the earlier kick-off in the same group, Honduras and Mexico played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Morocco took the lead five minutes before the interval courtesy of Abdelaziz Barrada’s sweetly-struck half-volley, but Honduras striker Jerry Bengtson scored his first of the afternoon after half-time with a finish from close-range.
The 25-year-old then converted a controversial penalty, while Morocco were reduced to 10 men soon after when Zakarya Bergdich was sent off for a petulant kick. However, Zakaria Labyad’s superb chip earned the North African side a valuable point, and let Bergdich off the hook.
In Group B, Mexico and South Korea played out a goalless draw at St James’ Park.
It was an evenly matched contest in the north east, with both sides presented with decent chances to score, but a combination of good goalkeeping and wastefulness meant that both teams settled for a point apiece.
Oscar, the New Chelsea signing, played a starring role as Brazil had to beat off a brave fightback from Egypt as they won 3-2 in Group C at the Millennium Stadium while Uruguay came from behind to beat United Arab Emirates 2-1 in their Group A opener at Old Trafford.
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