Group D of the Men's Soccer tournament of the 2012 Olympic Games came to an end with two draws that effectively eliminated Morocco and Spain from the contest.
Spain 0, Morocco 0
The biggest surprise of the tournament was the fact that Spain was eliminated from contention just two games into the tournament. What was a greater shock after the third game was that they left the tournament not only without a victory but without a single goal. They were the only team in the entire tournament to fail to register a goal. Worst of all was the fact that La Roja, once considered the favorite to win the entire tournament, was outplayed for long stretches during their scoreless draw to Morocco.
The Moroccans came out desperate to win, knowing that they could only progress with a victory. However, the Spanish defense held their ground. At one point the Moroccans held a 10 shot advantage on the Spanish and looked like they could score at any moment. Spain woke up late in the match but failed to display the patient, intelligent tactical display that has become a staple of Spanish soccer.
They leave tournament as the biggest flop of all.
Japan 0, Honduras 0
Japan had already secured a quarter-final berth coming into the match, but only the placement was in doubt. Honduras only needed a point to clinch a berth. The match was tame and withdrawn with both teams combining for only 13 shots on goal.
Japan will now take on Egypt while Honduras faces off against Brazil in the knockout stages.
Final Group Standings
Japan: 7 points, 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 goals for, 0 goals against, +2 goal differential
Honduras: 5 points, 1 win, 2 draws, 3 goals for, 2 goals against, +1 goal differential
Morocco: 2 points, 1 loss, 2 draws, 2 goals for, 3 goals against, -1 goal differential
Spain: 1 point, 2 losses, 1 draw, 0 goals for, 2 goals against, -2 goal differential
RELATED ARTICLES
Men's Olympic Soccer 2012: Group D Spain vs. Morocco, Honduras vs. Japan; Live Stream, Predictions, Preview
Men's Olympic Soccer 2012: Spain vs Honduras; Honduras Eliminates Spain with 1-0 Win
Men's Olympic Soccer 2012: Spain vs Honduras, Morocco vs Japan; Live Stream, Predictions, Preview