Paraguay 0 (5) - 0 (3) Japan - Report

Paraguay and Japan played probably the less exciting game in the round of 16, for them both were more focused on keeping their goal shut than breaking their rival's defense. After more than 2 hours of football the Guaranies are now preparing to face Spain in quarter finals, will they make it to the semis?

Japan and Paraguay started the game determined to show their best, but soon the game slowed its pace down and imprecisions appeared everywhere, specially on the midfield. Lucas Barrios had a solid chance of opening the score when he received a ball thanks to a beautiful assistance by Cristian Riveros. He gained the space to two Japan defenders, step over the ball and found himself in front of the Asian goal, but the ball was easily controlled by Japan's goalkeeper.

 

Japan worried Justo Villar for the first time thanks to a mid distance shot by Honda. Minutes after Matsui had his chance against the goal, but it hit the bar and went away. 

 

One of the biggest surprises in this match was the constant misunderstanding in the midfield by both sides. Argentinos Juniors' Nestor Ortigoza was the only solid player and referent, and his constant recovery of the ball kept Paraguay leading the offense. Martino's offensive trident could not find the goal, 

 

"Both teams made a brilliant effort, but God was on our side" were Martino's declarations after the victory. The second half offered one of the worst matches in the competition, that shown many weaknesses in the Guarani squad. At least these weaknesses were exposed before the Spanish clash, giving the Paraguayans some time to heal their wounds. 

 

For the third time Paraguay decided to go with three heavy-gunners in the last meters, but once again things did not work as expected for the Guaranies. "I don't want to be unfair with the strikers, for they did not receive clear assistances and were constantly pushed to score. Our next rivals will not offer as many problems with the ball flow" were Martino's confident declarations.

 

Japan's left winger Nagatomo was one of the stars in the game, constantly feeding Matsui between Paraguay's back line. Both Japanese defenders were excellent on keeping Paraguay's deadly strikers asphyxiated, neutralizing Martino's most fearsome weapons.

For the first time on African ground a match had to be decided after 120 minutes. The situation was tense and everything could happen, and the first two executioners for both sides successfully scored their goal. Cristian Riveros scored the third for Paraguay, while Komano's shot hit the post -Justo Villar could only be thankful to the 24-feet long white post, once again keeping his goal shut. Jubolo Iwata's midfielder was crushed upon this misfortune, and two players had to help him get back to the center of the field.

 

Two consecutive goals for the Paraguayans (Nelson Haedo Valdez, and minutes later Oscar Cardozo) secured the game and allowed this squad to write history and enter quarter finals for the first time in their history.