{"id":13709,"date":"2012-07-26T02:07:53","date_gmt":"2012-07-26T02:07:53","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2012-07-26T02:07:53","modified_gmt":"2012-07-26T02:07:53","slug":"Giant-killing-Japan-stun-Spain-in-men-s-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asiancemagazine.com\/?p=13709","title":{"rendered":"Giant-killing Japan stun Spain in men’s football"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japan scored one of the greatest upsets in Olympic football history after stunning reigning world and European champions Spain 1-0 at Hampden Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A first-half goal from Yuki Otsu secured a famous victory for Japan that revived memories of their famous Olympic upset of mighty Brazil at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.<\/p>\n

Japan coach Takashi Sekizuka tried to keep a lid on the euphoria after a memorable display which gives his side a great chance of reaching the knockout rounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“This is still just the first match of the group and we still have many games to play,” Sekisuka said. <\/p>\n

“First of all, we need to get into the knockout round. But we look forward to playing them (Spain) again in the knockout round.”<\/p>\n

With a young side bolstered by the likes of Jordi Alba and Juan Mata, both members of Spain’s victorious Euro 2012 squad, the Spanish had been expected to collect a straightforward three points in their opening Group D game.<\/strong><\/p>\n

However, despite dominating possession 65 per cent to 35 per cent, the Spaniards were rocked back by the ferocity of Japan’s play throughout, and the Asians were well worth their victory.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spain were left reeling on 34 minutes when Japan punished slack defending from a corner to score through Otsu.<\/p>\n

Takahiro Ohgihara swung in an inviting corner from the right and Otsu managed to get goalside of Martin Montoya to jab a low shot past the stranded Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japan’s players celebrated wildly and it got worse for Spain just before half-time when defender Inigo Martinez was sent off after a clumsy tangle with Kensuke Nagai.<\/p>\n