NANTES: Playmaker Aitana Bonmati scored once and created another goal as world champions Spain came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in the opening Group C match of Olympics women’s football competition in Nantes.

Olympic debutants Spain thus avenge a 4-0 group stage loss to the Asians in last year’s World Cup, which they went on to win.

Bonmati said later: “We had a nervy start but we did well in our first match at the Olympics. It’s our first time here. Now we just have to keep going. The pressure is good. We are the world champions and we want to win the Olympics. That’s what we are here for. We want to win everything.”

Japan opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a free kick from Aoba Fujino which grazed goalkeeper Cata Coll fingers.

Bonmati, the world’s Best Women Footballer last year for FIFA, equalised nine minutes later, converting a through ball from Athenea del Castillo. Spain then dominated the second half and went ahead in the 74th minute throgh Mariona Caldentey on a Bonmati assist.

Brazil beat Nigeria 1-0 in the other Group C game.

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