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Aoba Fujino Japan Women 2024Getty Images

VIDEO: Aoba Fujino, take a bow! Japan wonderkid stuns Spain with sensational free-kick in Olympic opener just 12 months on from shock win over World Cup champions

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • World champions Spain go behind in Olympic opener
  • Japan wonderkid Fujino scores incredible free-kick
  • Strike sure to be a goal of the tournament contender
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Spain won the World Cup last summer and, as such, went into the Games as the overwhelming favourites to win gold. However, the first match in France was always going to be a tricky one, as they came up against a Japan team that thumped them 4-0 in the group stages just 12 months ago. It only took 13 minutes for them to go behind in this rematch, too, as 20-year-old Fujino broke the deadlock with an incredible goal.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Unfortunately for Japan, it didn't take long for Spain to respond. Last year's Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati was able to cap a nice team move with a cool finish only nine minutes after Fujino's strike, to level the scores at 1-1. In the second half, the world champions then took the lead through Mariona Caldentey's superb goal, one which ensured a 2-1 victory.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Fujino still plays her club football at home but a report from Sponichi in June suggested that she was soon to join Manchester City. It's a transfer that would see her link-up with Yui Hasegawa, her Japan team-mate.

  • Aoba Fujino Japan Women 2024Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT FOR FUJINO AND JAPAN?

    Japan will have been disappointed with their quarter-final exit at last year's World Cup but, with a young squad that is more experienced 12 months ago, they will fancy their chances of having a good run at this Olympics. The Nadeshiko face Brazil in their second match, on Sunday, July 28.