Asian Cup: Nakamura (ex-Celtic) on target for Japan; Singapore sink Bryan Robson’s Thailand

Hong Kong 0 - Japan 4 (Asian Cup qualifier, November 18, 2009) Makoto Hasebe lashed a fierce right-foot shot into the top corner to put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute. Japan added a second goal in the 74th through a header from Hisato Sato before Shunsuke Nakamura curled in a cheeky near-post free-kick 10 minutes later. Shinji Okazaki converted a penalty in the last minute for his 15th goal in 20 internationals to wrap up the win.

Thailand 0 - Singapore 1 (Asian Cup qualifier, November 18, 2009) Aleksander Duric’s first half header gave Singapore the winning goal in Bangkok.

Indonesia 1 - Kuwait 1 (Asian Cup qualifier, November 18, 2009) Budi Sudarsono volleyed the hosts ahead on the stroke of halftime, but matters took a turn for the worse for Indonesia seven minutes after the restart as Ismed Sofian was sent off for a bad tackle. Kuwait equalised with 19 minutes remaining as star striker Ahmed Ajab got on the end of a cross to score at the back post.

Syria 0 - Vietnam 0 (Asian Cup qualifier, November 18, 2009)