Olympic debutants Spain recovered from going behind to an early goal to avenge a 4-0 group-stage loss to the Asians in last year’s World Cup, which they went on to win.

Japan opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Aoba Fujino’s superb free-kick sailed into the top right corner, with goalkeeper Cata Coll only managing to get a finger to it.

Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati equalised for Spain only nine minutes later with an easy finish off a through ball by Athenea del Castillo after they cut through Japan’s defence.

Spain dominated possession in the second half and took the lead in the 74th minute courtesy of a Mariona Caldentey strike following a Bonmati pass to go top of the group.

“We have started the Games very well. I’m happy for the win. (The World Cup loss against) Japan left us with a thorn in our side,” Bonmati said.

“The goal we conceded didn’t change our mentality. We played our football and we deserved the win.”

Elsewhere, reigning Olympic champions Canada also claimed a 2-1 comeback victory over New Zealand in St Etienne in the first day of action in Group A.

Germany made a strong start to the tournament in Marseille with a 3-0 win over Australia in the opening Group B match, thanks to goals from Marina Hegering, Lea Schueller, and Jule Brand.

Hegering’s towering header from a corner broke the deadlock in the 24th minute before Schueller netted in similar fashion in the 64th. Jule Brand made it 3-0 with a simple finish four minutes later to seal the win for the 2016 Olympic champions.

In the second match in Group C, Brazil earned a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Bordeaux. Gabi Nunes scored in the 37th minute following a pass from Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Marta, who is playing at her sixth Olympics.

Four-time gold medallists US will take on Zambia, while France face Colombia in the final matches of the day.