RISING SUN SETS ON JAPAN IN WORLD CUP AS PARAGUAY WINS PENALTY SHOOTOUT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 30 Jun 2010
The hopes of Asia behind the land of the rising sun, set cruelly short in a penalty shootout that resulted in Paraguay edging Japan 5-3 in a penalty shootout and advancing to the quarter final round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
In a closely fought match that produced no goals even in 30 minutes of extra time Paraguay appeared to have a slight edge and in the end it would be difficult to argue with a team that was spot on with its penalty kicks converting all five of them with one unforgiving miss by Kamoto that went out off and over the crossbar killing Japan?s hopes of advancing to meet the winners of the match between European Champions Spain and Portugal.
Japan had hoped to become the first Asian team to beat a South American squad in the World Cup but it was not to be and Paraguay joined two other South American teams in the quarter finals as of today.
From the kickoff it was a game that lacked real excitement with the drama reserved for the penalty shootout. Both sides appeared to play for a draw although over 120 minutes of football, Paraguay appeared to the slightly better side.
Some TV commentators and analysts blamed Japanese coach Takeshi Okada for the loss saying he must be questioning his own tactics in which he didn?t try and win the game but relied on a penalty shootout, gambled and lost.
There were few chances for both squads in either half with Daisuke Matsui midway in the first half curling a free kick off the crossbar in what was described as a great strike but just an inch too high.
In the 29th minute Paraguay?s Morel sent in an out-swinging corner that floated into the box but none of his teammates could get their head to the ball which fell to Roque Santa Cruz who was probably surprised as it fell at his feet. The Manchester City forward lashed at the ball and knocked it just wide of the upright.
In another good chance in extra time Morel of Paraguay swung around his defender but failed to beat Japanese keeper Kawashima who bravely dashed out and smothered the attempt at goal. Japan had one last chance when Honda curled his free kick wide of the post, sending the game into a dramatic shootout.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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