USA have lost their opening group stage match of the FIFA U17 World Cup, falling to Spain 2-1.

Despite going ahead in the fourth minute and having an extra man for much of the contest, the US allowed the European nation back in the game, eventually going down.

Jack McInerney scored USA's goal with a tap-in following a long throw-in by Marlon Duran, two minutes after Spain were reduced to ten men when defender Sergi Gomez was sent off for a final challenge on McInerney.

Spain managed to put the poor start behind them and equalise through Borja in the 22nd minute and then go ahead on the half-hour mark thanks to Sarabia who finished a great move.

Despite the loss, USA coach Wilmer Cabrera was happy with his side's positive performance.

"I think it was a very good match," Cabrera said. "We had to play against one of the favorite teams, and we started off with some positive things, we scored quickly

"They reacted very well, they had a brilliant 10 minutes and they put themselves in a good position. After that obviously our kids started to react, to put pressure on Spain and start to come back, but they (Spain) did a very good job defending.

"We tried to play and we created options but we didn't score. When they had the opportunities, they were clinical with their finishing. That's why they are at that level right now."

USA next take on Malawi at 11 a.m. ET. on Thursday, Oct. 29, live on ESPNU and ESPN360.com.