Spain 1-1 Japan: Pedri off the bench to help La Roja draw

Spain could only earn a 1-1 draw with Japan in their first and only friendly ahead of the Olympic Games.

Coach Luis de la Fuente opted to leave Pedri and Eric Garcia on the bench, while Oscar Mingueza started the game.

The first half was tight with Japan getting the only goal, with Doan netting from Take Kubo’s cross.

Spain had dominated the ball but Rafa Mir, Asensio and Ceballos could not string much together in the way of clear chances.

However the game changed when Pedri came on in the 67th minute, and he fed Miranda, who crossed for Carlos Soler to equalise 10 minutes later.

Spain will face Egypt, Australia and Argentina in the group phase.