The World Cup never ceases to spring in surprises. Paraguay, for the first time in its football history has qualified for the quarter finals. They defeated Asian giants, Japan in a breathtaking contest which was decided by a penalty shootout. Paraguay will now face Spain, who defeated Portugal in their pre-quarterfinal match.
Japan was hoping they would make it to the next round after qualifying for the last 8 during the 2002 World Cup. But for Yuichi Komano’s unfortunate miss, they could have very made their way into the quarter finals. The defender’s strike hit the cross bar and Japan could not come back from this set back, as they went on to lose 3-5.
After his sides dismal performance against the relative minnows New Zealand, Paraguay’s coach made several changes in this match. Carlos Bonet, Antolin Alcaraz, Lucas Barrios, Edgar Benitez and Nestor Ortigoza replaced Victor Caceres, Nelson Valdez, Julio Cesar Caceres, Denis Caniza and Oscar Cardozo. On the other hand, Japan retained the same side that beat Denmark 3-1 in its group match.
The match was very closely fought with both teams creating several opportunities and there was very little to separate the two sides. Although some would like to believe that Japan played better football until the penalty shootout and were unlucky to miss out on a quarter final spot.
Paraguay stayed focused and converted each of the penalty strokes, which eventually took them to the next round. It remains to be seen if this South American side manages to cross the next hurdle and make it to the semi finals.
