2024 Olympics: Spain mark debut with statement win over Japan | OneFootball

Spain have officially made their debut at the Summer Olympics and it was one of the most anticipated performances. The World Cup and Nations League winners have been named the team to beat at these Games, and they got off to a statement start in Paris.

Spain want to complete the treble and win the gold medal at Paris 2024. To do so, they must perform well in the group stage against Japan, Nigeria and Brazil. Their opening win over Japan has put them in a strong position heading into their remaining fixtures.

Spain debut at the Olympics

Montse Tomé team’s first match at the Olympics started with great intensity. Since the very beginning, both Spain and Japan had goalscoring opportunities.

Japan took advantage thanks to a perfect free-kick executed by Aoba Fujino, as the ball went above the wall and into Cata Coll’s left corner. Once again, Nadeshiko were playing better than Spain. But after Japan’s opener, La Roja improved their performance to reverse the score.

Who else other than Aitana Bonmatí to provide the equaliser? It was thanks to Alexia Putellas’ vision. The Queen put the ball close to the box and Athenea caught it, passing it forward to Aitana who ran and, with her slice into the net, scored the first Olympic goal for the Spanish women’s football national team.

Embed from Getty Images

The Spaniards took control of the game and began to put more pressure on Japan, but both teams continued to look dangerous enough during the first 45 minutes, and went into the break all square.

It was a similar script for the second half — Spain held the possession but initially lacked dangerous goalscoring opportunities.

However, Tomé’s side were able to snatch the lead late on. In the 73rd minute, Bonmatí was once again involved in her side finding the back of the net. The 26-year-old turned provider this time and laid the ball off to Mariona Caldentey. The new Arsenal signing took a few touches, already inside the box, and tried a shot. Ayaka Yamashita couldn’t reach the ball and Japan went from an early 1-0 lead to losing their opener 2-1 at the hands of the world champions

What can we expect from Spain?

Last year at the World Cup, the Japanese beat Spain 4-0, and that disastrous match was motivation point for La Roja to show their best football moving forward. Spain’s debut at the Olympics was important, but they know very well that losing a game does not mean they cannot win a medal. Maybe, fuelled by their previous defeat, they were able to get the better of Japan.

It is said the Olympic Games are more difficult than any other competition. The reason is the short periods between matches, which demands having the entire squad in good physical condition at all times.

Being a debutant could disfavour the Spanish because of that lack of experience. Their dominance in the game and mentality make them strong, though. These ambitious players do not think of anything else besides going back home with a gold medal around their neck.

MORE from Her Football Hub: