Japan made it two wins from two matches thanks to a 1-0 triumph over Iraq in Brisbane.

In a closely contested match, a first-half Keisuke Honda penalty was enough to see the Samurai Blue through, and they will now be strong favourites to top Group D.

Iraq is still a chance to progress to the knockout stages as well, having defeated Jordan in its opening game.

Earlier, Jordan kept its hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive with a thumping 5-1 win over Palestine in Melbourne, with Hamza al Daradreh the four-goal hero.

Palestine came out with an attacking attitude but it was Jordan who struck twice in the space of two first-half minutes to take control of the match.

Yousef al Rawashdeh curled in a superb goal to break the deadlock before al Daradreh tapped in from close range to make it 2-0.

On the brink of half time, al Daradreh finished off a fine team move for his second goal to all but secure the three points for Jordan.

Undeterred, Palestine continued to push forward after the break, but left itself exposed to the pace of Al Daradreh, who streaked away from the defence to score his third, then swooped in for a simple fourth.

Palestine was eventually rewarded for its endeavour, scoring a consolation goal – its first in the Asian Cup – in the closing minutes through Jaka Ihbeisheh.