Paraguay v Japan

14:00 GMT, June 29, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa


Japan's stylish and deserved victory over Denmark in the final group game has raised expectations that the nation can go further than they have before and reach the last eight of the World Cup.


It is quite a transformation in fortunes for Japan, who had been written off by most after a disastrous run of form in the run-up to the tournament. Confidence is high now, with Keisuke Honda proving to be the attacking fulcrum of the side.

However, Japan will not find it quite so easy to rip apart a sturdy Paraguay rearguard. The South Americans conceded just one goal, against Italy, in the group stage and will again look for solidity.

Japan are almost certain to be unchanged for the game in Pretoria with coach Takeshi Okada, who offered to quit before the tournament began, having fielded the same starting XI in all three group games.

But Paraguay will have to make an enforced change with Victor Caceres serving a one-match ban. The holding midfielder could be a big loss for boss Gerardo Martino, who is likely to deploy Carlos Bonet in that role. Antolin Alcaraz should be back from injury after being unavailable for the New Zealand match.

Japan player to watch: Yasuhito Endo. Much of Japan's success at this World Cup has been built on set-pieces, and Endo is one of the best exponents in the team. The 30-year-old, who was Asia's Player of the Year in 2009, is at the hub of the creativity in the side and has an excellent range of passing.


Paraguay player to watch: Enrique Vera. Vera's darting run from midfield to score Paraguay's opening goal in the 2-0 win over Slovakia has been one of the highlights of Paraguay's campaign so far. Though primarily a defensive player, Vera has the ability to weigh in with goals too.


Key battle: Keisuke Honda v Paulo Da Silva. Honda put in one of the best individual performances of the finals in dismantling a disorganised Denmark defence and once again he could prove to be the difference between success and failure for Japan. Sunderland defender Paulo Da Silva will have to be at the top of his game if he is to shackle Honda.


Trivia: Japan are one of the few teams to have success with the Jabulani. Honda and Endo both scored directly from free kicks in the 3-1 win over Denmark.

Stats: Of all the remaining teams, Japan have completed the fewest passes. They have 709 with a completion rate of 62%, compared to Paraguay's 69%.

Odds: Paraguay (2.10), the draw (3.25) and Japan (3.80) with Bet365. Paraguay are 3.75 to win by one goal.

Prediction: Japan have already surprised many at this tournament, but the strength of Paraguay's defence should be the difference.