Qatar stunned defending champions Japan with a late equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw in their Asian Cup opener yesterday, but it ended on a sour note with Hussain Yaser and coach Dzemaludin Musovic sent off.

It was an uninspiring start to Japan's bid for a third straight continental title.

They looked to have three points in the bag after Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when he slammed home a cross from the right by utility man Yasuyuki Konno.

But dangerous Uruguayan-born forward Sebastian Soria equalized two minutes from time when he stroked home a 20-meter free kick through a tight wall after he was bundled over by Yuki Abe.

It means unfancied hosts Vietnam find themselves at the top of Group B after upsetting Gulf Cup champions United Arab Emirates 2-0 on Sunday.

Japan coach Ivica Osim insisted he was not shocked by the result, saying being unlucky was an "element of football."

"To be frank, I was surprised at how our players performed. They played good football," said the gruff 66-year-old Bosnian.

"The problem is Japan have not reached a level where they can turn beauty into efficiency. Today's match is over. We must think about the next game."

Japan face United Arab Emirates on Friday.

(China Daily via AFP July 10, 2007)