Troussier frustrated with draw for Japan

Japan coach Philippe Troussier saluted his side’s ‘‘wonderful’’ fightback against Belgium but admitted he was ‘‘frustrated’’ that they had not been able to hold on for a memorable win.

The co-hosts went behind to a 57th-minute Marc Wilmots goal but responded magnificently to turn the Group H opener on its head and send the Saitama crowd wild with excitement.

Takayuki Suzuki grabbed an equaliser two minutes later and when Junichi Inamoto fired Japan ahead a famous win was on the cards.

But Peter van der Heyden spoiled the party when he snatched an equaliser in the 75th minute and Japan had to settle for a draw.

‘‘Japanese football is a winner tonight because of this point which will give us some confidence and because of the football we played,’’ said Troussier.

‘‘I am satisfield because it is the first point for us but, of course, I am a bit frustrated because we drew level and then took the lead but couldn’t keep it until the end.’’

Asked what he thought of the way Japan responded to Wilmot’s opener, Troussier replied: ‘‘The reaction was wonderful. It was the opening game and you might have thought they would have been a bit paralysed when they went behind but they proved they are mature.

‘‘They reacted intelligently and we got this result because of our attacking qualities and we were lucky to have a 12th man (the crowd) behind us.’’

Belgium coach Robert Waseige said: ‘‘After losing control of the game to Japan we at least came back.

‘‘The crowd was more than a 12th player for the Japanese team. They were exceptional.’’

Parma midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata said: ‘‘For the first game 2-2 was not so bad but I think we have got more goals in us.

‘‘We are a very young team and I think tonight’s draw will help us in the future.’’