Updated JAN 16, 2015 9:44a ET
BRISBANE, Australia
Keisuke Honda agreed he needed to adjust his radar despite guiding Japan to the top of Group D with a match-winning penalty against Iraq on Friday, putting the defending champions into a prime position to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the Asian Cup.
Japan beat the 2007 champions 1-0 in Brisbane to move to six points, three clear of Iraq and Jordan, which thrashed tournament newcomer Palestine 5-1 in Melbourne to move into quarterfinal contention.
Honda hit the woodwork three times in a game that Japan dominated and said he needed to convert those opportunities in future.
''I will score next game,'' Honda, voted player of the match, promised in his post-match news conference.
Hamza Aldaradreh couldn't miss as he tallied four goals to help Jordan overcome its problems in attack with a handful of goals before Palestine got a consolation in the 85th - its first goal in the continental championship.
That left the group finely poised, with no team yet assured of a spot in the quarterfinals and no team out of contention. One point against Jordan in Melbourne on Tuesday will be enough for Japan to go through regardless of other results. Iraq will play Palestine in Canberra at the same time, and is a hot favorite to win against a team that conceded nine goals in two games before midfielder Jaka Hbaisha scored from a set piece against Jordan after 84 minutes.
Aldaradreh's scoring touch gave Jordan coach Ray Wilkins a selection dilemma ahead of the Japan match. He was previously third-choice striker behind Odai Al Saify and Ahmad Hayel.
''Now Hamza's given me a horrible headache that I have to try and sort out,'' Wilkins said. ''Nevertheless I'm delighted for him and I'm delighted for the lads as well.''
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Honda puts Japan in driving seat with winner against Iraq