Brazilian striker Tiago scored the only goal of the game late in the first half to end the visitors' 100% record in the competition.

The hosts started the brightest, knowing a victory would keep them in the hunt for a quarter-final place.

They could have gone ahead early on when Walter Martinez burst into the area and slid a low shot past goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata, but he failed to hit the target.

Still the Japanese champions kept their hosts on their toes, with Beijing goalkeeper Yang Zhi called into action to keep out a Takuya Nozawa lob.

But as the break approached the Chinese side raised their game and went ahead in the final minute of the half.

Tiago beat the Kashima offside trap before firing past Sogahata and defender Masahiko Inoha who tried in vain to clear off the line.

A slower second half ensued but Beijing still had chances to increase their lead when Guo Hui found himself through on goal with 11 minutes left, but the forward managed to scuff his shot.

And as the home side pushed to kill the game off Takeshi Aoki and Shinzo Koroki both had chances to grab an equaliser late on but failed to make the most of their opportunities.