TOKYO, June 23 - Disappointed Japanese soccer fans lamented their team's early exit from the World Cup on Friday, but pinned their hopes on gaining the skills needed to do better four years down the road.

Japan suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat by Brazil in a game that began at 4:00 a.m. local time (1900 GMT), with people across the nation waking early to watch the match on television at home before trudging off to their jobs.

Hopes for a miracle win over the world champions were raised when striker Keiji Tamada scored in the 34th minute to give Japan the lead, but screams of joy soon gave way to groans of anguish when Brazil equalised and then powered ahead.

"I was very happy that they got a goal, which they deserve praise for, but in the last half they really didn't attack," said Chiaki Okura, who watched the game at a party in the Roppongi entertainment district of downtown Tokyo.

"In four years I want them to come back and fight hard, maybe even win a game," added the 22-year-old girl, wearing Japan colours.

Around 1,500 rapt supporters clad in Japan's samurai blue who packed a Roppongi disco erupted into cheers when their side scored, confetti pouring from the ceiling as fans pounded on a traditional taiko drum and blew a trumpet salute. Some women wept.

HAPPY SHOUTS

But the happy shouts were soon replaced by screams of agony.

By the end of the game, many fans simply stood in dejected silence, their shoulders bowed.

"I didn't think they'd win with the points they needed (to advance)," said Yusuke Suzuki, 23. "But I hoped they'd at least tie or only lose by one goal," he added.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a noted sports fan, told reporters, "It's too bad," Kyodo news agency said.

Fans who had been critical of Japanese coach Zico were pleased to see that he had changed his starting lineup, finally allowing Seiichiro Maki, who had been shocked by his surprise selection in the squad, to play.

Maki's introduction prompted cheers and loud applause from fans in Roppongi, but the tall striker ultimately failed to live up to their hopes.

"I'm really disappointed, but what can you do?" said 21-year-old Kenjiro Matsuo, his face painted with a red and white Japanese flag. "This match accurately showed our strength."

A Tokyo oil trader echoed this, saying he was less disappointed by this defeat than when Japan lost to Australia.

"This time, it was expected. It showed the difference in real ability," he added.

A sales representative who rose before dawn to watch the match probably spoke for many when he said: "I am so sleepy. I'll wrap up work early today."