Japan leave after their debut on the World Cup stage with no points but, with only 15 minutes left, they finally scored their first goal of the tournament through Masashi Nakayama.

The Japanese were on top throughout the match but a combination of bad luck, good goalkeeping and poor shooting meant they failed to make their domination count.

Jamaica took the lead against the run of play in the 39th minute when Whitmore, born and bred in Montego Bay, broke into the box and fired a low shot past Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

In the 54th minute the midfielder extended Jamaica's lead with a fine solo goal -- again against the run of play. He cut in from the right flank and tucked a left foot drive into the bottom corner.

Japan finally broke through in the 75th minute when Nakayama volleyed home afterBrazilian-born substitute Wagner Lopes had picked him out with a header. The celebrations among the Japanese fans could not have been greater if they had won the Cup itself. It was the ninth goal Jamaica had conceded.From the opening whistle Japan, prompted by Hidetoshi Nakata, swept forward with neat, intricate moves which ran into the sand as soon as they came in sight of goal.

In the 10th minute Hidetoshi Nakata floated a cross to Shoji Jo but Jo's powerful volley flew wide of the post.

Jamaica almost caught Japan on the break for a third time but substitute Walter Boyd's fierce shot was superbly tipped over by Kawaguchi.