Paraguay advance to the last eight of the World Cup for first time

Paraguay reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history as they beat Asia’s only remaining representatives Japan in the Round of 16. The game was a goalless stalemate after 120 minutes, leaving both teams to face the lottery of the shootout.

All five of Paraguay’s players converted their spot kicks while Japan, with the sole exception of Jubilo Iwata defender Yuiichi Komano, were also on target with their penalties. However Komano’s miss gave Paraguay a 5-3 win in the shootout and allowed Gerardo Martino’s men set up a quarterfinal meeting with Spain in Johannesburg.

Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in their Round of 16. Barcelona striker David Villa struck the winner shortly after the hour mark, converting Xavi’s clever back flick on the second attempt. However the match was marred by a late piece of alleged playacting from Spain’s Joan Capdevila that saw Portugal’s Ricardo Costa receive his marching orders. Liverpool’s Fernando Torres had another disappointing World Cup night and was hauled off in favour of Fernando Llorente just before Spain scored their opening goal.

Spain and Paraguay will now be bidding to reach the last four of the World Cup for the first time. And for the neutrals, the dream of a Brazil-Spain final on July 11 still remains alive.