In case you have been under a rock for the past two years, Spain has dominated world competition and will begin their quest to capture their third straight international title. They face Japan at 9:45 a.m. ET/2:45 p.m. GMT.
Spain won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and recently captured the 2012 Euro Cup.
They will be led by David de Gea, Jordi Alba and Juan Mata.
It will be the first time Spain gets to compete in the Olympics as they did not qualify in 2004 and 2008. The last time they were in Olympic competition they finished as the runner-up.
Japan is also trying to bounce back from a disappointing Olympic performance in their recent history. In Beijing 2008 they only scored one goal and were bounced early from competition.
Both Spain and Japan are in the same pool and are expected to be the two teams out from Group D, but of course Spain is the heavy favorite over all.
Spain and Japan are in the same pool as Honduras and Morocco. Those countries are currently battling in a very enticing match. There has been sudden scoring and intense physical play.
Both Honduras and Morocco will certainly give Spain and Japan a tough time in preliminary matchups.
To watch the match, which kicks off in minutes click here. MSNBC wil be broadcasting all games.
