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, Yulchi Komano missed the third Japan spot-kick to ensure the South Americans progressed 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.
Alot was expected from Honda , but he didn't appear to be firing on all cylinders today ....... after a slow start off the line ...... the Japanese drove at the Paraguayans defense and had their first shot after 30 seconds , the game slowed down then until Barrios was able to turn Yulchi Komano in the box to get in one-on-one with Eiji Kawashima but the keeper saved his shot with his legs.
Japan then broke forward and Daisuke Matsui's 30 yard effort crashed into the Paraguay crossbar, with keeper Villar beaten.
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 [who had found an extra gear by then] free-kick for a corner which Japan could not capitalise on.
Komano was the unlucky player as he hit the crossbar with the third spot-kick and Paraguay sunk all five.
Rumours that the Paraguayan Navel fleet had left port before the penalties ' as a precaution ' has been denied by the Paraguayan Consul in South Africa.
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