2010 World Cup: Japan v Paraguay half time report
Japan 0 Paraguay 0
If you list watching paint dry is one of your hobbies, then this first half would be right up your street. As predicted, both defences have been well on top in this second round clash, and neither side has looked to attack with any sort of adventure which has resulted in the game becoming a rather dull spectacle.
The best spell of a dire first half came mid-way through, 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 Japanese keeper Eiji Kawashim.
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.
Japan have really offered nothing as an attacking threat, apart from a long range shot from Keisuke Honda that flew wide, and they will need to show some of the quality that disposed of Denmark in the group stages if they are serious about making the World Cup quarter-finals.
For Paraguay, if they move out of second gear then the Japanese are here for the taking.
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