Chinese men's team lost to Japan 2-1 at their first EAFF E-1 Football Championship match on Tuesday.

Forward Suzuki Musashi put Japan 1-0 ahead at the 29th minute when he finished off a lightning and fluid attack which tore open China's defense.

Defender Miura Genta made it 2-0 as he muscled in a header from a corner kick at the 70th minute.

Chinese team head coach Li Tie, who had repeatedly been heard to shout orders to his players on field, fell into silence after the goal.

At the 90th minute, striker Dong Xuesheng pulled one goal back for China with a powerful header.

Chinese defender Ming Tian came close to scoring at the 52nd when his drive hit the bar.

China will play their next match against South Korea on Sunday while Japan will face Hong Kong on Saturday.