Japan's Olympic campaign got off to a disappointing start Thursday as Yasuharu Sorimachi's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to the United States at the Beijing Games.
Stuart Holden struck the decisive blow, hammering home early in the second half to give the U.S. the points in energy-sapping conditions at Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium.
"I am disappointed with the defeat because all the players did not display their full potential," said Sorimachi.