JAPAN 0 - PARAGUAY 0 (PENALTY 3-5)

Paraguay beat Japan on penalties to create history by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

After a cagey affair in Pretoria, Yuichi Komano missed the third Japan spot-kick to ensure the South Americans progressed 5-3 on penalties to face either Spain or Portugal, who play later on Tuesday.

As throughout the tournament, Japan coach Takeshi Okada named an unchanged line up for the clash, while the South Americans made five changes from the side which drew 0-0 with New Zealand last time.

In extra-time, Kawashima was quick off his line to make an excellent save to deny substitute Valdes after he had turned in the box, while Villar palmed out a powerful Honda free-kick for a corner which Japan could not capitalise on.

Japan had a late chance to win it when Shinji Okazaki back-heeled to fellow substitute Keiji Tamada but he could find no-one in the box with his cross from the left byline as the game went into penalties.

Komano was the unlucky player as he hit the crossbar with the third Japan spot-kick and Paraguay sunk all five, with substitute Oscar Cardozo keeping his nerve to net the last and send the South Americans into celebrations.

BOLA BOYZ WORLD CUP NOBLESTAR

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