Football: Japan lay in Australia's path to cup final

Japan's soccer team celebrate after Shinji Kagawa, second left, scored his country's second goal during the AFC Asia Cup soccer match between Japan and Jordan. Photo / AP

Japanese megastar Keisuke Honda has ensured the Blue Samurai lay in Australia's path to the Asian Cup final.

Honda scored for the third time in as many matches as the defending champions sealed their top group billing with a 2-0 triumph over Jordan on Tuesday night.

Iraq downed Palestine 2-0 in Tuesday night's other fixture to also secure a quarter-final spot.

Japan's victory means they loom as a semi-final opponent for host nation Australia, should the Socceroos eclipse China in a Brisbane quarter-final on Thursday night.

After the 24 group games remarkably produced not a solitary draw, the initial knockout stage has been set.

Before the Socceroos meet China, South Korea confront Uzbekistan in Melbourne in the Thursday quarter-finals.

The next day, Iran play Iraq in Canberra before Japan clash with the United Arab Emirates in Sydney.

Japan's favouritism to claim a fifth title - they already hold the record for most cups after wins in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011 - was entrenched by AC Milan hero Honda.

The stylish forward scored against Jordan in the 24th minute before teammate Shinji Kagawa added another in the second half.

In three group games, Japan did not concede a goal while scoring seven but coach coach Javier Aguirre warned the true test awaited.

"Difficult games are waiting for us but we hope to continue with zero goals against," Aguirre said.

QUARTER-FINALS (all kickoff local times)

Thursday

South Korea v Uzbekistan (Melbourne 6.30pm)

Australia v China (Brisbane 8.30pm)

Friday

Iran v Iraq (Canberra 5.30pm)

Japan v United Arab Emirates (Sydney 8.30pm)

AAP sl/jb

-AAP