Nippon power shocks Spain

PICTURE: AP

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Spain, dominant at Under-19, Under-21 and senior level, were supposed to walk through this Olympic qualifying group on their way to the serious business of battling Brazil and Uruguay for a place at the top of the podium.

Instead, they were beaten 1-0 by Japan last night, flattered by the scoreline and they now find themselves preparing for a clash with Honduras on Sunday that they cannot afford to lose.