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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
“FATAL FURY: CITY OF THE WOLVES” FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Thu, 01 May 2025BAM AND HITCHINS LAND HUGE SUMMER SHOWDOWNS LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 01 May 2025June 7: Kelvin Davis-Nahir Albright Junior Welterweight Rumble Added to Loaded Keyshawn Davis-Edwin De Los Santos Card at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
Thu, 01 May 2025CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH: A NIGHT OF BOXING IN LOS ANGELES ON MAY 22
Thu, 01 May 2025Cavite beats San Juan and Pasig in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 01 May 2025BEKTEMIR “BEK” MELIKUZIEV AND THE UNDEFEATED DARIUS FULGHUM TO FIGHT IN WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATOR
Wed, 30 Apr 2025“FATAL FURY: CITY OF THE WOLVES” MEDIA WORKOUT
Wed, 30 Apr 2025WBC presents "Xicoténcatl" belt for the Canelo-Scull fight in Riyadh
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 30 Apr 2025Thailand to host WBC 63rd Annual Convention in Phuket in November
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 30 Apr 2025Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Raymond Muratalla: "I’m Ready to Show Out on May 10!"
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Training Camp Notes: Undefeated Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos Prepares for Clash with Pedro Castaneda Castro on May 9 in Orlando
Wed, 30 Apr 2025“THE KING OF THE FOUR ROUNDERS” ERIC “BUTTERBEAN” ESCH TO ATTEND 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Action Summary Week Ending 28 April 2025
By Eric Armit, Tue, 29 Apr 2025Butler, Green Show Up on Rockets in 109-106 Win
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 29 Apr 2025