2010 World Cup: Japan v Paraguay full time report
Japan 0 Paraguay 0 (Paraguay win 5-4 on penalties)
Paraguay became the first side in the 2010 World Cup to win a penalty shoot-out thanks to a 5-4 win over Japan. The South Americans go onto meet either Spain or Portugal in the quarter finals, who play in Cape Town this evening.
Japan left back Yuichi Komano was the villian of the piece for the Japanese, as was the only player to miss in the shootout and it meant Oscar Cardozo grabbed the headlines for Paraguay as he netted the winning penalty.
The drama of the penalty shoot-out put a glossy look on what was a terrible 120 minutes of football in Port Elizabeth with both defences cancelling each other out.
The best chances in the game came in the first half of extra time with both Lucas Barrois and Nelsen Valdez going close for the South Americans, but in truth chances were hard to come by as both defensive coaches would have been delighted with their players efforts.
The best spell of normal time came mid-way through the first half, when each side created their best opening of the match.
Paraguay forward Lucas Barrios cleverly made space for himself on the corner of the area before his shot was clawed away by Kawashima.
The chance seemed to spark the game into life, only briefly though, as dynamic midfielder Daisuke Matsui broke from deep to smash a dipping 30-yard shot off the top of the crossbar, in fairness to Justo Villar in the Paraguay goal, he seemed to have it covered.
As the half wore on, the South Americans had the upper hand but failed to unlock a stubborn Japanese backline. Roque Santa Cruz came closest to opening the scoring, but he could only fire wide from eight yards following a Paraguayan corner.
The second half, unfortunately for the viewing public, started in the same vein of the first. Japan, were happy to sit back and soak up pressure, whilst Paraguay played the ball around the midfield without throwing men forward.
Chances were at a premium, but a good move involving Claudio Morel down the left wing produced a ball that was brilliantly defended by Yuji Nakazawa, who’s last ditch tackle prevented Santa Cruz from steering the ball home.
Both teams most potent weapon seemed to come from set pieces and whilst most of the time they were brilliantly defended, a couple of half chances came and went.
Santa Cruz headed a Morel corner wide, and Marcus Tulio did the same at the other end for the Japanese.
In truth neither side deserved to win the match, as it would have been harsh on both defensive units, who had been effective without being seriously troubled.
The first half of extra time provided the most exciting period of the game, where Paraguay started to attack with real intent but failed to score the all important winner.
First, Barrios got on the end of another fantastic Morel cross but could only divert his header straight at Kawashima. Then minutes later Kawashima was busy once again as he brilliantly denied lively substitute Nelson Valdez, who turned his marker but could not beat the in-form Japanese number one.
A non-existent second period of extra time meant the lottery of penalties would decide the game and it was Paraguay’s who’s number came up.
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