AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda converted his second penalty in as many matches on Friday as defending champion Japan took a big step toward reaching the knockout phase of the Asian Cup with a 1-0 win over Iraq.
Honda, who also hit the woodwork three times, swept home the decider midway through the first half at Brisbane Stadium to send Japan top of Group D with six points from two games, three clear of 2007 champion Iraq and Jordan.
"It's good that I could score early at such a crucial juncture," said Honda, who commented on his near-misses. "But you have to score when you have the chance or you're not going to win big games."