Kawaguchi -- quite literally single-handedly -- led Japan into a semi-final against Bahrain after saving twice from the penalty spot in one of the most controversial shoot-outs the tournament has ever witnessed.

Now the 28-year-old reckons the thrilling quarter-final win will give Japan the confidence they need to successfully defend their title.

"This was one of the most difficult matches I've ever played, it was massive for our morale and a huge boost for us to win the championship," said Kawaguchi, the former Portsmouth player.

Jordan missed three penalties that would have won Saturday's quarter-final, with Kawaguchi tipping two of them against the woodwork and a third crashing back off the post after the match had finished level at 1-1.

"No matter how the ball is kicked and no matter if it goes off the post, I defend, that's what I do," Kawaguchi said after helping Japan secure an improbable victory after they had missed their opening two spot-kicks.

The two Japanese misses sparked controversy. Both Shunsuke Nakamura and Alex blazed their shots over the bar, each appearing to lose their footing on the worn turf around the penalty spot.

Led by furious Brazilian coach Zico, Japan protested and Malaysian referee Mohammed Subkhiddin took the brave decision to switch the shoot-out to the other end of the field despite angry objections from Jordan.

Jordan later threatened to lodge a formal protest but Subkhiddin's ruling received backing from Asian Football Confederation officials on Sunday.

Referee Inspector Mohammed Nazri Abdullah said match officials had acted correctly. "After the second kick from Japan, the referee realised the penalty spot was uprooted and therefore, the spot was not suitable for subsequent kicks to be taken," Nazri said.

Jordanian officials said the decision to change ends had disrupted the concentration of their penalty takers at a crucial stage.

But Zico dismissed the Jordanian gripes, saying the Middle Eastern minnows had been guilty of thinking that the shoot-out was won after Japan missed their two spot-kicks.

"We started the shootout badly but we ended well. Jordan players were celebrating before the penalties were finished and their goalkeeper was dancing in front of the crowd when he made a save," said Zico.

"When we missed the first two penalties, at that time many thought that Japan would lose the game, but we promised to win the championship when we left Japan," Zico said, praising the decision to move the shoot-out.

"The referee is the final judge and we should obey his decision," Japan coach Zico said. "The rules say the referee could change side and he did. He can do whatever he thinks is best for the game or for the players."