Two goals in five late first half minutes were Ireland’s downfall, as the Japanese put on a stylish performance to underline their status as a fast developing football nation.

They could have finished with four or five goals easily and if they make no great impact as World Cup hosts under Philippe Troussier this summer, then Germany 2006 could be the right stage.

Takesh Ono’s youngsters went ahead after 33 minutes, having dominated the opening in exchanges, when Koji Yamase’s angled drive flew past Joe Murphy.

The young Tranmere goalkeeper was unable to get to Yamase’s 20-yard drive from left of goal and the ball arrowed across him into the right corner.

The Celtic trio of Mike Doyle, Liam Miller and Jim Goodwyn had been prominent for Ireland in the early stages, with Doyle having Ireland’s first serious effort on goal in the 25th minute his half-volley after a cleared Miller corner looped just over.

But the Japanese remained composed with Yamase, Daisuke Matsui and Satoshi Nakayama pivotal to all their good work as they teamed up as a lively front three.

It was the latter two who combined to double Japan’s advantage two minutes before half time in the 80-minute match.

Matsui chased what looked a lost cause as the ball drifted towards the dead ball line left of goal, and he thrashed in a cross which Nakayama volleyed in from six yards at the far post.

Ireland’s World Cup bound pair Niall Quinn and Steve Staunton were team-mates at this tournament in 1989, when both were trying out the first rungs on the international football ladder.

In the space of barely 10 seconds early in the second half, Japan could have been 3-0 up or Ireland could halved their deficit.

Matsui was foiled by a fine Murphy save, having been played in on goal by Nakayama, before Graham Barrett went close.

In the 53rd minute, Arsenal youngster Barrett was again denied by goalkeeper Yosuke Fujigaya in another one on one situation and if there was to be any luck of the Irish it was not rubbing off on him.

There was to be no reward either for Japan substitute Naohiro Ishikawa as he ended a devastating run through midfield by rounding Murphy but shot over the bar from 10 yards.

Japan continued to look the most likely to get a third goal, even after withdrawing Matsui and Nakayama, and substitute Yutaka Tahara called Murphy into action again with the goalkeeper saving with his feet as the front man raced on goal.

Ireland threatened most from set-pieces, of which they had several in the closing minutes, but could not muster a consolation.

Miller came mighty close with a free-kick in the 89th minute, but Japan deserved a two-goal win and will look ahead with confidence to their next match against South Africa on Thursday.

Ireland face Italy on the same day, and getting anything from that match looks a tall order.