The odds are stacked against Japan's men winning soccer gold at the London Olympics, but given the talent at manager Takashi Sekizuka's disposal, the possibility of a first medal since 1968 should not be completely discounted.

Japan begins its quest to match or better the bronze it claimed 44 years ago in Mexico City with a daunting opening game against Spain on Thursday, before taking on Morocco three days later and rounding off the first stage against Honduras on Aug. 1. There could hardly be a tougher start than a date with the country that won the last World Cup and two European Championships, but with the other group rivals looking eminently beatable, a place in the quarterfinals is a realistic ambition.

For that to happen, Japan will have to avoid a repeat of the meek showing that saw it slink home from Beijing almost before the smoke had cleared from the opening ceremony fireworks four years ago. A side packed with players who now form the backbone of the full national team lost all three of its games against the United States, Nigeria and the Netherlands, scoring just one goal in a dismal campaign blighted by indecision, hesitancy and confusion.