GLASGOW, July 26: Yuki Otsu scored in the first-half of Japan's shocking 1-0 win over 10-man Spain in men's Olympic football Thursday, a victory that threatened the Spaniards' chances of winning a gold medal.

Takahiro Ohgihara swung in an inviting corner from the right and Otsu broke away from his marker during a corner in the 34th minute and the ball landed at his feet for a simple tap-in past goalkeeper David de Gea.

Spain's under-23 team wants to win Olympic gold to add to the World Cup and European Championship titles held by the country's full national team.

But Japan forward Kensuke Nagai caused major problems for Spain, slipping behind defenders with quick runs.Spain centre-back Inigo Martinez was sent off for a foul while trying to stop Nagai from scoring. The dismissal looked harsh but Martinez was clearly grabbing a handful of Nagai's shirt so could have few complaints with the decision.

After that, Japan controlled the tempo and could have scored at least five more as they secured a famous victory that revived memories of their famous Olympic upset of mighty Brazil at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

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.

However despite dominating possession 65 percent to 35 percent the Spaniards were rocked back by the ferocity of Japan's play throughout, and the Asians were well worth their victory.Japan have been rising steadily in world football, qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and building a strong youth programme. The victory against Spain rates among Japan's greatest.

But coach Takashi Sekizuka was modest when asked if this was the case.

“We looked forward to this match very much, and showing how much we have was the main point,” he said. “We are very pleased with the result.”

Earlier, in the other Group ‘D’ match, Honduras got two goals from Jerry Bengtson to draw 2-2 with Morocco in the opening men’s football match.

Bengtson scored in the 56th minute to tie the match and then on a penalty kick nine minutes later to put Honduras ahead.

Abdelaziz Barrada had given Morocco the lead with a right-foot strike just inside the post in the first half, and Zakaria Labyad tied the match two minutes after Bengtson’s second goal.

Elsewhere, Mexico drew 0-0 with South Korea in their opening Group ‘B’ match in Newcastle.

Mexico, who were the winners of the North and Central America qualifying region, had a chance to win it in the closing minutes but Giovani dos Santos could not get a shot on target when a pass was threaded through to him. Although South Korea dominated possession in the first-half, they were unable to score.

Results: Group ‘D’: At Glasgow: Honduras 2    Morocco 2 Spain 0    Japan 1

Group ‘B’: At Newcastle: Mexico 0    South Korea 0 —Agencies