Keisuke Honda's late penalty shot gave Alberto Zaccheroni his first competitive win as Japan beat Syria 10 men against 10 in a 2-1 victory at the Asian Cup on Thursday night.
The Group B affair was rife with controversial decision-making by Iranian referee Mohsen Torky, who first red-carded Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima midway through the second half before awarding Zaccheroni's side a soft, match-winning penalty shot at the other end.
Syria coach Tita Valeriu also said Torky blew the final whistle before the six minutes of injury time were up, when the referee also sent off defender Nadim Sabag.
Zaccheroni said Torky had told him Japan had back-passed when Kawashima was expelled in the 72nd minute for taking down forward Sanharib Malki, who appeared to be miles offside.