HOLA!

Spain fans were not too happy this morning when La Roja went down to a shocking 1-0 defeat to Japan in their opening Group D match of the London Olympics at Hempden Park.

These fans are still unhappy right now – both with the result and performance.

Spain, are one of the hot favorites to win the gold together with Brazil in this tournament which caters for the Under-23s with three overage players being allowed to join them.

The Spaniards did not deserve anything from this match. In fact, they could have suffered a humiliating loss if Japan were sharper with their attempts at goal.

Japan captain Maya Yoshida.Not many expected to them to produce this kind of tournament, It was terrible as Luis Milla's men hardly create a chance despite enjoying bulk of the possession. And El Loco is talking about Spain here.

And the team were relying too much on 'big brother' Juan Mata in the attacking aspect so much so the well-organized Japanese side did not find problems in frustrating the Spaniards.

They can't expect to see the goals coming 'by relying just on Mata, who really gave his heart out. Anyone would have run away and stop playing, if everyone keeps on giving the ball to him,, right.

The defence? Really horroroso (horrible).

The defenders were struggling to cope with the fast Japanese players whenever they execute counter-attacks. It was during one of this attacks that Inigo Martinez was shown a direct red card just before the break as he tried to stop an opponent.

But then even with 11 men, Spain would have lost. That shows how bad they were playing.

The best joke is that coach Milla looked pretty blur during the match. It seemed his mind was somewhere else – just like some of his players. What were they thinking?
 
Jordi Alba? One of the heroes in Spain's success of winning Euro 2012 did try but seemed to be lost when he did not receive any support.

Many, including El Loco had said earlier Spain would be hot favorites to win the gold together Brazil.

But not anymore.

Even if Spain advance to the last eight from this group, which also comprises Honduras and Morocco, it's still adios.

Spain, if they finish second in the group, will take on Group C champion's, who are poised to be Brazil.  And did Milla know about this before the match against Japan? Doubt it, based on his face during the Japan match.

Now let's look at Uruguay.

They also struggled but managed to beat United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Group A match this morning.

However, coach Oscar Tabarez believes his team can show a lot more after admitting the first match of the tournament was bound to give him a few scares.

Goals from star midfielder Gaston Ramirez and Nicolas Lodeiro earned the Uruguayans the win over their opponents, who had outplayed the South Americans in the first half and led briefly through Ismail Matar.

Their triumphant Copa America campaign last year, as well as the 2010 World Cup, saw the Celeste fail to win their opening group fixtures, and Tabarez confessed he is used to opening-day jitters.

"You could say that the first games are not my specialty," the experienced tactician joked after the match.

He could afford to joke because his side won, obviously.
 
"One of the goals was the result and if we had not managed that there would be no solution. Everything else can be worked on and addressed."

'El Maestro' also praised his men for withstanding a difficult first half to run out winners after the break.

"This result is vital, as is having secured it after a first half in which we were dominated by the rivals," he said.

"We had a great 20 minutes in the second period where we controlled but afterwards we could not keep up the same pace."

The Uruguayans will next face Senegal before concluding their group campaign against hosts Britain.

Britain and Senegal drew 1-1 in another match this morning.

Anyway, can't wait to watch the United States taking on their Colombia on Sunday (12 midnight) in the women's tournament.

The United States defeated France 4-2 in their opening match.

 Yes...attractive and stylish goalkeeper Hope Solo and her American teammates are set to thrash the Colombians as they battle to retain the gold won in Beijing four years ago.

Adios!

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