Japan, Jordan, Iraq all bidding to advance from Group D
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - With both quarterfinal spots from Group D up for grabs, Japan, Jordan and Iraq have plenty to play for Tuesday. Japan needs just a draw from its last group match against Jordan to advance, while Iraq will be looking for a big score over Palestine to boost its chances.
Here's some things to watch:
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JAPAN VS. JORDAN (0900 GMT): Defending champion and tournament favorite Japan and Jordan will be playing for Asian Cup quarterfinal spots when they meet at Melbourne's rectangular stadium.
Japan leads Group D with six points and needs only a draw to advance. Jordan shares second spot with Iraq and must win by a decent margin to ensure it advances to the final eight.
Japan and Jordan have won one match each from their previous four encounters. Jordan could hold a psychological edge after downing Japan 2-1 in a World Cup qualifying match in their previous encounter in 2013.
Keisuke Honda has scored in three of his last four internationals for Japan, including penalties in both Asian Cup group matches so far.
But he hit the post twice from close range and smashed a long-range shot into the crossbar in the 1-0 win over Iraq and later vowed: "I will score next game."
Hamza Al Dardour scored four goals and set up another in Jordan's 5-1 win over Palestine.
"It's back to the drawing board because the game we face now is critical for us," Jordan coach Ray Wilkins said after the big win over Palestine. "We've done a good job tonight, but the next game is crucial."
Jordan also hopes to have striker Ahmad Hayel available to play against Japan after he missed Friday's match due to dehydration. Hayel experienced dizziness, nausea and vomited during a protracted attempt to submit a urine sample after Jordan's opening 1-0 loss to Iraq in Brisbane.
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IRAQ VS. PALESTINE (0900 GMT): The Iraq squad will like its chances of advancing to the quarterfinals with a big win over a Palestine lineup that has conceded nine goals in its first two games.
Iraq, the 2007 Asian Cup champion, is level in second place with Jordan on three points, behind Japan on six.
"Of course our ticket to qualifying for the next round will be (against Palestine)," Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishel said after a 1-0 loss to Japan last week. "Palestine will want to come up with a positive result to leave this competition. It won't be easy."
Iraq has won six of its last eight matches against Palestine dating back to 2004, and drew the remaining two. In their last three matches, Iraq scored a combined 10 goals and didn't concede any against Palestine.
Palestine scored its first-ever Asian Cup goal in its 5-1 loss to Jordan on Friday when midfielder Jaka Hbaisha converted a set piece in the 85th minute.