AFC Asian Cup contenders Saudi Arabia became the first team to wave goodbye to the competition after losing their second group game 1-0 to Jordan. The Saudis, who sacked manager Jose Peseiro and appointed Nasser Al-Johar after their first-match defeat to Syria, were undone by a fluke goal from Jordan's Bahaa Abdul-Rahman before the break. The defeat left Saudi Arabia bottom of Group B with no points while surprise package Jordan make it four points from two games. Jordan maintained their superb unbeaten record throughout the history of the Asian Cup. Japan down Syria after tense finale
Honda wins game for Japan In the same group, Japan claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Syria in an action-packed second half. Makoto Hasebe gave Japan a first-half lead, but Feras Al-Khatib equalized for the Syrians on 76 minutes with a penalty kick. Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima was sent off in the process as well. Despite the one-man advantage, Syria failed to take the lead as they conceded a soft penalty that was dispatched home by Keisuke Honda in the 82nd minute. Japan move to top with four points, while Syria lie third on three.
