Japan escape Spain's grasp

Missing highly-decorated ace Amarelle to injury, Spain was unable to overcome Japan and fell via penalties in a high-energy contest to begin their Dubai 2009 campaign on the wrong foot. In the opening minutes, both sides seemed eager to grab the advantage, as long shots were exchanged and summarily batted away by goalkeepers at both ends of the pitch. A miscue led to the first goal, as Hirofumi ...