Japan began its defence of the Asian Cup with a clinical 4-0 demolition of minnows Palestine at Hunter Stadium on Monday evening.

Goals to Yasuhito Endo, Shinji Okazaki, Maya Yoshida and a Keisuke Honda penalty sealed the win in front of 15,497 people.

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Palestine’s evening got worse when, after 72 minutes, defender Ahmed Harbi was sent off for a second bookable offence.

In Brisbane, 6840 fans saw Iraq edge Jordan 1-0.

Yasser Kasim hit the winner, cutting into the area before hitting a deflected shot past the keeper, prompting raucous celebrations.

Things got worse for Jordan when Anas Bani Yaseen was given his marching orders in the 84th minute.

Iraq now sits on three points, level with Japan.