Japan kicked off its bid for a place at the 2010 World Cup with a 4-1 win over a stubborn Thailand at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Wednesday night.
Yasuhito Endo gave the home side the lead in the 21st minute with a curling free-kick, after making a bright start to a match played in snowfall for the full 90 minutes.
But Teeratep Winothai hit an immediate reply for the Thais, stunning Japan with a 35-yard strike that no one — least of all goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi — saw coming.