Japan upset Spain 1-0 on the first day of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament Thursday, while Brazil held on for a 3-2 victory over Egypt and host Britain had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Senegal.

Uruguay and Belarus also won as the tourney started with eight matches the day before the opening ceremony.

Japan pulled off the surprising win after outplaying gold-medal favorite Spain.

Brazil got three first-half goals but nearly squandered the lead in the second, escaping with the victory to begin its quest for its first gold in Olympic soccer.

Britain’s debut was spoiled by a late goal conceded in the tie with Senegal.

Honduras and Morocco drew 2-2; Belarus beat New Zealand 1-0 in Coventry with a first-half goal by Dmitry Baga; medal contender Uruguay got a goal from substitute Nicolas Lodeiro in the second half to defeat the United Arab Emirates 2-1; Gabon rallied for a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and Mexico escaped with a 0-0 draw with South Korea.

OLYMPIC CYCLIST David Millar, who served a two-year doping ban, was praised by the sport’s top official as a model for riders who face doping allegations.

The International Cycling Union president, Pat McQuaid, said it was “very annoying and very frustrating” when riders made excuses after being caught.

ROMANIA’S CHANCES of contending for the gold in women’s gymnastics were seriously damaged when Larisa Iordache developed plantar fasciitis in her left heel.

LAUREN JACKSON, a WNBA star, will carry the Australian flag at the opening ceremony.

ROGER FEDERER, who will turn 31 on Aug. 8, said he’s leaning toward competing in the 2016 Games at Rio de Janeiro if his body holds up.

“There’s so many moving parts,” Federer said. “They also have a role in this decision-making, but the mind still wants me to play and I hope the body allows me to do it.”

IVO KARLOVIC of Croatia is out of men’s tennis with a foot injury, replaced by Philipp Petzschner of Germany.

USAIN BOLT, who will carry the Jamaican flag in the opening ceremonies, said he’s recovered from a stiff back that caused him hamstring trouble and is ready to defend his 100- and 200-meter titles.

THE AMERICANS wasted no time during a training session letting everyone know why they’re such heavy favorites in women’s gymnastics, whipping off one monstrous vault after another as opposing coaches and even other gymnasts watched.

MISSY FRANKLIN is dedicating all her swimming races to her home state of Colorado.

The 17-year-old said she was affected by the movie-theater shootings in the Denver suburb of Aurora, where she attends high school and trains.

BRITISH SCIENTISTS said a heat wave caused London’s air quality to deteriorate, which could affect athletes’ performances.

Scientists from King’s College in London said pollution in the British capital has reached the highest level in six years.

THE OLYMPIC flame took a festive, valedictory lap around London, taking in some of the sun-drenched capital’s most famous landmarks and getting a royal welcome on the second-to-last day of its trek across Britain.

MICHAEL PHELPS insists there are no hard feelings about teammate Tyler Clary questioning his work ethic.

Clary apologized to Phelps in person and expressed regrets to the entire U.S. team.

SWEDISH OFFICIALS said swimmer Therese Alshammar could miss the Olympics due to a pinched nerve in her neck, which would leave the country without one of its biggest medal hopes.

SECURITY JITTERS were being felt across London on the eve of the Olympics, with the biggest mall in Europe briefly evacuated and noticeable security changes in place at the Olympic Park.

KERRI WALSH JENNINGS, an American beach volleyball star seeking a third consecutive gold medal, said, “Every day, the butterflies are a little bit bigger.”

MEGAN JONES of Australia had to withdraw her horse Allofasudden from the equestrian competition due to a hoof injury — a blow for a medal favorite when the competition starts Saturday.

KAZAKHSTAN IS trying to replace two of its Chinese-born male Olympic weightlifters, possibly because of citizenship issues.

WITH THE START of competition just four days away, local organizers are in the process of informing some ticket holders for diving they may have obstructed views.

MOROCCO’S SPORTS minister said two star runners suspended from the Games for doping might be taken to court.