Favourites Brazil edge Egypt as Japan shock Spain
Saturday July 28, 2012
JAPAN produced the first upset of the Olympic Games when they beat potential gold medallists Spain 1-0 while favourites Brazil survived a scare before beating Egypt 3-2 on the opening day of the men’s soccer competition on Thursday.
Uruguay, back in the Games after an 84-year absence, came from behind to beat a lively United Arab Emirates side 2-1 in the earlier game at Old Trafford.
On a day when all 16 teams were in action, there was also a win for Belarus, playing in their first major international tournament, beating New Zealand 1-0 at Coventry.
The real upset though was at Hampden Park where Japan stunned Spain, looking to become the first country to hold the World Cup, European crown and Olympic title at the same time.
The Spaniards completed the Group D match with 10 men after midfielder Inigo Martinez was sent off just before half-time having found no answer to Yuki Otsu’s 34th minute goal.
Asked if this was Japan’s ideal ever win coach Takashi Sekizuka said: “We looked forward to the match very much and showing how much we have to offer was the main point.
“Now we have to prepare for winning the games against Morocco and Honduras but I am very pleased with the result today.”
Despite Spain’s hopes of winning the title, Brazil are favourites to take their first Olympic soccer gold.
They began with an ultimately nervy 3-2 win over Egypt in Cardiff after goals from Rafael, Leandro Damiao and Neymar had put them 3-0 ahead after only 30 minutes.
Egypt rallied in the second half with goals by Mohamed Aboutrika and Mohamed Salah with 14 minutes to play.
Uruguay, back at the Games for the first time since winning the second of their two golds in 1928, preserved their record of never losing in the Olympics, coming from behind to beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the opening match at Old Trafford.
Substitute Nicolas Lodeiro scored Uruguay’s winner while captain Luis Suarez was booed every time he touched the ball by a Manchester crowd unforgiving of the Liverpool player’s racial spat with United’s Patrice Evra last season that earned him a lengthy ban.
In Thursday’s other matches, Morocco and Honduras drew 2-2 at Hampden while Mexico and South Korea completed 0-0 at St James’ Park, the venue for Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Gabon.
The Swiss completed with 10 men after defender Oliver Buff was red carded for diving having earlier been booked.
Morocco also completed with 10 men after defender Zakarya Bergdich was sent off 19 minutes from time against Honduras. — Reuters
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