Paraguay reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time ever when it beat Japan on penalties after their game in Pretoria ended in a 0-0 tie.
Paraguay’s shootout win moves it into the quarterfinals for the first time in eight World Cup appearances and gives South America four teams in the final eight for the first time. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay are all in separate pairings, creating the possibility of an all-South American final four.
The Albirroja (Red and White) made all five attempts from the penalty spot. Oscar Cardozo clinched the win on the fifth shot after Edgar Barreto, Lucas Barrios, Cristian Riveros and Nelson Valdez converted. Japan goalie Eiji Kawashima only came close on Barrios’ shot. On Japan’s third shot, Yuichi Komano sent his right-footed shot off the crossbar.
Below are some photos of the jubilation from downtown Asunción–VAMOS Paraguay!
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