All is not lost for Spain's men in Olympics Football

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 26: Japan and Spain enter the field

Spain, European champions and holders of the World Cup stumbled in their Group D opening match against Japan at the Olympics. Having won back to back World Cups and European Championships, everybody was expecting them to add an Olympic gold to their list of honours in 2012. With Euro 2012 stars like Jordi Alba, Juan Mata and Javi Martinez all in the squad, surely the world was expecting Spain to win the final.

But Japan had other plans as they defeated the World and European champions in the Group D opener at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland.

Having lost the opening match against Japan, Spain will have to win the other two Group matches against Morocco and Honduras. Japan, having won against Spain, are expected to win Group D. Spain, on the other hand, will have a tough time ahead as Morocco and Honduras have already a point each.

Yuki Otsu secured the famous victory for giantkillers Japan after scoring the only goal of the game in the 34^th minute. Having done so, it revived memories of their famous Olympic upset of a strong Brazil side at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Many experts believe that this loss to Spain is good for them and it will work as a boost for them. The young footballers will surely give more than 100 percent in the upcoming matches to surpass the expectations their country and the fans have from them. With the three experienced players Alba, Mata and Martinez in the side, the team will be ready to come out all guns blazing against Morocco and Honduras.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 26: Otsu Yuki of Japan celebrates after scoring

To progress further and keep the hopes of winning the Olympic Gold alive, Spain will have to make some changes to their plans. Having Juan Mata as a playmaker in midfield, who can also operate as a forward, will have to play a vital role. Mata will have to play a similar role like Xavi did for Spain in the Euro 2012 final. Jordi Alba will also have to play a similar role. Mata as the ball supplier in the first half will be a great idea for the World Champions with Rodrigo and Adrian Lopez up front, who need to score and not waste chances.

Its never to late to start afresh. Just pull up your socks and staying focused can do the job for the team. They must not think of past Championships glories as the teams which competed in them are totally different. It will be upto the young guns of Spain to go all the way for their country, just like the national football team.

We all are hoping to see a Brazil vs Spain final. There is a long way to go. I say now to the the Red and Gold brigade, silence your critics by winning. You must not worry overmuch and only focus on the next two games.