CHONGQING, China, July 20 (AFP) - Holders Japan overcame the loss of several star players through injury and the upcoming Olympics to open their Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Oman here Tuesday.
The defending champions, missing several star Europe-based players including captain Hidetoshi Nakata, midfielder Junichi Inamoto and playmaker Shinji Ono, secured the points thanks to a superb first-half goal from Shunsuke Nakamura.
Japan, coached by Brazilian legend Zico, had been determined to make up for a dismal display against the Omanis in World Cup qualifiers earlier this year, when they needed an injury-time goal to snatch a 1-0 victory.
But in the end they were made to work hard for their Group D win, withstanding a ferocious late rally from an impressive young Oman side who enjoyed overwhelming support from a crowd of around 25,000.
Oman swept forward relentlessly in the final ten minutes, striker Imad Ali threatening the Japan goal in injury time with a glancing header that went just wide of Japan's former Portsmouth keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.
Imad Ali had also been involved in another gilt-edged chance in the 81st minute, helping on to to Bader Mubarak who sent his shot wide.
Japan though, who remain one of the tournament favourites despite missing so many first choice players, kept their composure and defended well to frustrate the Gulf side, centre-half and skipper Tsuneyasu Miyamoto outstanding.
Japan had taken the lead on 34 minutes when a cross from Brazilian-born left-back Alex deflected off a defender and into the path of Nakamura.
The attacking midfielder collected and beat one opponent before arrowing a shot off the outside of his left foot into the top corner from 13 yards.
One of Oman's best chances came moments earlier when Imad Ali blasted over from close range.