World Cup 2010: Paraguay vs. Japan: Half Time Analysis
Paraguay and Japan played out a goal-less first half 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, in trying 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 did not 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 is the most likley outcome since neither team is willing to over-commit and risk conceeding a goal.
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