A cagey first period was only interrupted by Yauheni Novikau’s header for the Belarus opener. 

Japan experienced corner-kick success to bring themselves level, with Masato Suzuki steering home the effort.

Novikau struck back, guiding in a left-footed shot for his second of the day, followed by a wondrous bicycle kick from Aleh Hapon. Novikau continued to dazzle on the left flank and stabbed home another to complete his hat-trick.

Takaaki Oba lashed home a scissor kick to bring Japan back to within two, but the joy was short-lived as Vadzim Bokach thumped in a penalty. 

Ozu Moreira then made his presence felt with a right-footed rocket, but Belarus would seal victory with Artsemi Drozd's bicycle kick.

Japan face Seychelles in their final Group A fixture on Monday, where they need a win to advance.