Keisuke Honda's performance in the 3-1 win over Denmark helped Japan reach the round of 16 at the World Cup, and if he inspires another victory against Paraguay the tournament will have an Asian star.

Japan has a history of skillful attacking players with a penchant for free kicks, like Honda, who scored with a swerving strike against the Danes for his second goal of the competition.

Japan striker Keiji Tamada says that Honda is the "starting point of the attacks" and "it's very important to keep him involved in the game."

Honda could eclipse the nation's football idols like Hidetoshi Nakata and Shunsuke Nakamura if Japan reaches the quarterfinals for the first time.

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