World Cup 2010: Japan vs Paraguay- match heads into extra time
The round of 16 match between Paraguay and Japan is heading into extra time, this is the first match of the world cup to go that far. Paraguay and Japan almost candled each other out; the flair of South Americans versus the strong organised Asian football was in simple words equally strong.
The first half after a cautious period kicked into high gear and there were a number of chances for both teams at either end, but there was no final product, more of that was due to some excellent work by the goalkeepers. In the final stages of the first period both teams backed off to some degree waiting for the 2nd half to make their move.
Japan started the 2nd half with an on-pitch huddle, signifying the strong bond that the team shares.
The half started quite sluggishly hinting that this match was surely heading to not only extra time but penalties, as Paraguay booted the ball out of play, and Japan gave it back to them. There was a dearth of quality, for sure.
However, soon there was half a chance that. Things opened up for Nestor Ortigoza as he cut into the area from the Paraguay left and after a neat one-two, he took on one too many touches and the chance went begging.
A minute later a cross from the Japan right was half-cleared to just outside the area, where Yuto Nagatomo's left-foot shot took a deflection and looped up into the arms of Justo Villar.
Chances were finally coming thick and fast, Edgar Benitez spanked one in from the edge of the Japan box, but Yuji Nakazawa got across quickly to make a vital block.
Then there was a booking for Daisuke Matsui for a handball, which certainly seemed a bit harsh.
The game looked to have opened up at that point, Claudio Morel took a quick throw down the Paraguay left, got it back and swung in a cross that Christian Riveros headed a bit too close to Eiji Kawashima.
Soon it was time for first change of the game, and it was Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino who snapped first, sending Nelson Valdez on for Edgar Benitez.
Asians were knocking hard, a Japan corner from the right was met by Marcus Tulio Tanaka, but his header hit a Paraguay defender and flied behind for what should have been another corner, but was given as a goal-kick.
Japan then made a change, Daisuke Matsui came off and Shinji Okazaki was brought on in his place
The frustration began to show then as, Eiji Kawashima came for a Paraguay corner and accidentally caught Marcus Tulio Tanaka on the head with his knee. It looked as bad as it sounds, but after a bit of treatment he was straight back on.
In the final 10 minutes both teams just like the first half decided to sit back to a degree, and held on to conserve energy for Extra time. Now this is the first game into extra time, will we see a hero or are we heading for Penalties?
Tags: