Capel comes to Spain's rescue

UEFA European Under-19 Championship holders Spain came from two goals down to open their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, although the side they overcame in last year's U19 final, Scotland, began with a disappointing defeat.

Late rally
Ginés Meléndez's side had high hopes of making a significant impact in this competition having reached the final in 2003, yet their Group B campaign in Canada looked set for the worst possible start as two goals early in the second half from US Città di Palermo striker Edinson Cavani and another European-based forward Luis Suarez – who plays his club football in the Netherlands with FC Groningen - gave Uruguay a two-goal cushion. Spain rallied, however, Ádrián López of RC Deportivo La Coruña pulling a goal back with 19 minutes left, although it looked as if that would be insufficient only for Diego Capel to salvage a draw three minutes into added time.

'Dominate possession'
"We didn't have much luck in defence," said Meléndez, whose side next play Zambia – who drew 1-1 against Jordan on Sunday – on 4 July. "We made a mistake and found it hard to get back in the game. Tactically, though, we were sound and we managed to dominate possession."

Scotland succumb
Scotland were not so fortunate, however, going down 3-1 to Japan in Victoria. The Asian side took the lead two minutes before half-time as Yosuke Kashiwagi capitalised on a mistake by Scotland captain Scott Cuthbert and a long-range Tsukasa Umesaki effort doubled the advantage in the 57th minute. Jun Aoyama added a third eleven minutes from time, before a late consolation from Scotland substitute Ross Campbell three minutes later.

'Can do better'
Tommy Wilson's side continue their Group F campaign against Nigeria – 1-0 winners against Costa Rica in their first fixture – on Wednesday and the Scotland coach is optimistic his side can improve. "Japan played very well and we uncharacteristically made a few mistakes which didn't help us," said Wilson."I'm sure we will benefit from this match and come back fitter and sharper in the next game and give a better performance. For us it's the first match of the season and a World Cup game. That makes it difficult, but we are a resilient bunch, and we know we can do better."