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Japan draws 2-2 with Belgium, earning historic first-ever World Cup point

Striker Takayuki Suzuki ignited a thrilling second-half comeback as Japan recovered from a slow start to tie Belgium 2-2 in their Group H World Cup opening match at Saitama Stadium on June 4.

Belgian captain Marc Wilmots opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a scissor-kick over the head of Japan's goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, putting the Belgians up 1-0.

Two minutes later, Suzuki took a long pass down the left side and beat Belgian goalkeeper Geert De Vlieger for a goal.

The celebration continued in the 67th when "Man of the Match" midfielder Junichi Inamoto gave Japan a 2-1 lead.

Inamoto took the ball just inside the Belgium half and went on a 30-meter run past two challengers before clipping the ball into the net.

But in the 75th minute, Peter Van Der Heyden escaped his defender on the left side to take a pass and chipped in a shot.

Later on, Inamoto weaved his way around two defenders to put the ball in the back of the net in the 85th minute, but the referee ruled the effort out for a foul.

"We knew we had to play better in the second half and we did," said Inamoto, who plays for Arsenal in England's Premier League. "This was a great game for us and a great game for Japan."

Japan coach Philippe Troussier said, "We can consider this point as a historic one because it's the first point Japan has gained in a World Cup. I'm satisfied because everything is still possible in the next two matches, and I think we have a strong chance (to advance)."

Belgium coach Robert Waseige said, "We were controlling the opposition and the match, but Japan suddenly appeared to find more penetration and more depth, and we lost all control of the match. We were lucky we were able to come back later."

Shukan ST: June 14, 2002

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News Japan draws 2-2 with Belgium, earning historic first-ever World Cup point Striker Takayuki Suzuki ignited a thrilling second-half comeback as Japan recovered from a slow start to tie Belgium 2-2 in their Group H World Cup opening match at Saitama Stadium on June 4. Belgian captain Marc Wilmots opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a scissor-kick over the head of Japan's goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki, putting the Belgians up 1-0. Two minutes later, Suzuki took a long pass down the left side and beat Belgian goalkeeper Geert De Vlieger for a goal. The celebration continued in the 67th when "Man of the Match" midfielder Junichi Inamoto gave Japan a 2-1 lead. Inamoto took the ball just inside the Belgium half and went on a 30-meter run past two challengers before clipping the ball into the net. But in the 75th minute, Peter Van Der Heyden escaped his defender on the left side to take a pass and chipped in a shot. Later on, Inamoto weaved his way around two defenders to put the ball in the back of the net in the 85th minute, but the referee ruled the effort out for a foul. "We knew we had to play better in the second half and we did," said Inamoto, who plays for Arsenal in England's Premier League. "This was a great game for us and a great game for Japan." Japan coach Philippe Troussier said, "We can consider this point as a historic one because it's the first point Japan has gained in a World Cup. I'm satisfied because everything is still possible in the next two matches, and I think we have a strong chance (to advance)." Belgium coach Robert Waseige said, "We were controlling the opposition and the match, but Japan suddenly appeared to find more penetration and more depth, and we lost all control of the match. We were lucky we were able to come back later." Shukan ST: June 14, 2002 (C) All rights reserved