Wilmots puts Belgium in front in style. (Allsport)

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 the winner 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 admitted his players had only themselves to blame for not taking all three points.

"We can only blame ourselves if we have to blame someone," said Waseige.

"Again, we lost the ball stupidly and that brought about their goals.

"But we weren't better than Japan. I think 2-2 is an honest result.

"After we went ahead we lost it instead of becoming more relaxed, added Waseige.

"But let's not forget that this was an away match, before a fantastic crowd.

"Japan played very aggressive football, with a lot of fouls. I have to admit that I didn't expect them to be so strong in the air.

"Now we look at Tunisia, which will be a totally different game.

"We have to recover from this match, then we will have a medical check, and then we will get into the different world of Tunisian football."

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."

Inamoto, who failed to make an impact with Double winners Arsenal last season, appeared to have scored a dramatic late winner after Belgium had levelled at 2-2 and had no idea why it had been chalked off by referee William Mattus.

"I don't know why, ask the referee," said Inamoto, whose diplomatic response to his lack of first team chances with the Gunners was: "I feel glad I did my best during the hard times."

Troussier, reflecting on Japan's amazing support, added: "It was a good atmosphere - a manic atmosphere. I would call it new Japan."