World Cup 2010: Paraguay vs. Japan: 90 Minutes Report
Paraguay and Japan played out a goal-less ninety minutes in the beautiful Loftus Versfeld Stadium. With a spot in the Quarter-finals up for grabs, both teams were understandably a bit nervy. Japan looked the more positive of the two sides, as they tried to break down a resilient Paraguay side. The Paraguayans were happy to soak in the pressure and hit the last remaining asian team in the tournament on the counter-attack.
Japan's bright start resulted in a shot on goal from Okubo in the very first minute. The Japanese players were looking for an early lead but the Paraguay defense stood firm. On the other end of the pitch, the South Americans looked to take advantage of their height difference, keeping the ball in the air and aiming for the likes of Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz.
In the 21st minute, the Paraguyans nearly grabbed the lead when Barrios shot brilliantly on goal after a quick turn to set it up for himself. The Japanese goalkeeper, Kawashima, was up to the task though and the kept his team in the game.
The Japanese had their best moment of the game when Matsui hit the frame of the goal with a stunning effort from outside the penalty area. The Goalkeeper was lucky the bar saved him because there was no way he was going to get to that shot.
Honda, who had been one of Japans most influential players in the tournament, struggled to assert himself in the game. The Paraguay team deserved credit for making sure he didn't help Japan in breaking the deadlock. Honda did have a chance just before the final whistle to put the Japanese ahead but his sliced shot went wide of the goal.
The first half ended 0-0. If it goes on like this, a penalty shoot-out looked the most likley outcome since neither team was willing to over-commit and risk conceeding a goal.
The second half started off where the first finished with both teams cancelling each other out. The Japanese, once again, were quicker off the mark than their opponents with Nagamoto getting a shot on target in the 53rd minute. Matsui, who was the one of the brightest spartks in a very tight game, crossed the ball for Nagamoto but the striker was unable to find the back of the net.
Matsui picked up a yellow card in the 57th minute after foolishly kicking the ball away. A sign of the frustration that had built up due to the tense nature of the game.
Another chance went begging, this time for the Paraguayans as Riveros headed straight at the Japanese goalkeeper after a good build-up. The Paraguay Coach signalled his intent in the 60th minute, as he brought on a third striker in the form of Valdez. He joined Santa Cruz and Barrios up front.
The impressive Matsui was replaced in the 66th minute by Okazaki. A precaution perhaps by the Japanese Coach since Matsui had already picked up a yellow card and going one man down would have been suicidal for the Japanese.
Both teams made one change as Paraguay brought on Barreto for Ortigoza, whereas the Japanese substitued Abe for Nakamura.
Honda's frustration showed in stoppage time as he deliberately handled the ball. Another yellow card the Japanese could have avoided.
The 90 minutes ended with neither team opening the scoring. The dreaded penalty shoot-out, the first of the competition so far, looms as both teams prepare themselves for 30 minutes of extra-time.
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