Men's Olympic Football 2012: Japan Qualifies for Quarterfinals with 1-0 Win Over Morocco

Japan secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Morocco.

After defeating the Spanish in a 1-0 upset, Japan came out flatfooted against a Moroccan group that wanted to add to a 2-2 draw against Honduras. For most of the first half, Morocco looked like the stronger squad. Japan drew some opportunities late in the half, but they also came to nothing.

To start the second half, Morocco again looked to control possession and create more chances. Japan reverted to a defensive shell rather than the aggressive attack they displayed against Spain. In the 84^th minute the Samurais found the net when Hiroshi Kiyotake found a breaking Kensuke Nagai who lofted the shot into the back of the net.

The win gives Japan six points and qualifies them for the second round. A tie or victory over Honduras wins them a group while a loss gives them second place in the group. Morocco must now defeat Spain by two or more goals and pray for a Honduras loss of two or more goals.