Introduction – Japan vs Paraguay: tension, comeback and reaction in the final minutes
The Japan-Paraguay clash was a dramatic affair until the final whistle. A friendly match at Panasonic Stadium Suita ended 2-2, with Paraguay taking the lead twice and Japan rallying late with Ayase Ueda scoring in the 90th minute.
This draw perfectly symbolizes the two teams’ fluctuations: one seeking stability, the other redemption. Paraguay, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, used the match to test its players and tactics. Japan, for its part, needed to show strength at home and prepare for the match against Brazil.
The late comeback reinforces the idea that the Japanese team has evolved mentally, even in the face of adversity. Paraguay, despite its offensive merits, exhibits defensive weaknesses that will require adjustments.
In this article, you’ll see: full lineups, tactical analysis, detailed statistics, individual highlights, repercussions, predictions, and an in-depth FAQ.
Pre-match – lineups, absences and motivation
Japan lineup
Japan entered with a balanced formation, with experienced and young names:
- Goalkeeper: Suzuki
- Defense: Watanabe, Seko, Tanaka, Hashioka
- Midfield: Minamino, Kamada, Ito, Doan
- Attack: Ogawa as Junya Ito’s reference and support
Even without some injured starters, Japan showed confidence in its core. Coach Moriyasu valued teamwork and wanted to test tactical variations, particularly in attacking transitions down the wings.
Furthermore, the pressure from the Japanese fans made a difference: playing in front of their own fans demands protagonism, which motivates offensive adjustments and a bolder approach.
Paraguay lineup
The Paraguayan team used a more defensive formation, focusing on balance and counter-attacking ability:
- Goalkeeper: Gatito Fernandez
- Defense: Gustavo Gómez, Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete
- Midfield: Andrés Cubas, Diego Gómez, Almirón
- Attack: Sanabria as a reference, with support from González
With less pressure to achieve a result (already qualified), Paraguay sought rhythm, teamwork, and testing for the World Cup. The focus was on controlling transitions and withstanding the home team’s momentum.
The motivation was clear: to show that they can compete even away from home, maintain consistency and correct mistakes from previous friendlies.
The game – minute by minute of Japan vs Paraguay
First half – Paraguay sets the pace, Japan reacts cautiously
From the opening minutes, Paraguay pressed. In the 20th minute, Miguel Almirón opened the scoring with a quick run down the right, catching the Japanese defense off guard. The visitors’ celebration was clear, and Japan felt the blow.
The comeback came in the 26th minute, when Koki Ogawa fired a shot into the corner after Ito’s cross, leveling the score. Japan took a breather and began to unsettle Paraguay’s structure with attacking mobility.
Despite their greater defensive depth, Paraguay regained the lead in the 64th minute, with a goal from Diego Gómez following a cross and poor clearance. The first half ended tensely—Japan had to come from behind in the second half.
Second half – adjustments, pressure and a saving turnaround
At halftime, Japan’s coach made smart substitutions: Ayase Ueda came on to give the attack a new twist. The Japanese team intensified their quick passing and occupied the flanks.
As time wore on, Paraguay retreated further, maintaining its lead. Paraguayan Chape tried to hold on, but conceded too much space.
In stoppage time, after a cross from the right, Ayase Ueda rose well and headed the ball powerfully to equalize: 2-2. The Japanese fans erupted, and the players were thrilled with the heroic reaction.
Paraguay tried to put up a last-ditch effort, but, fatigued and disorganized, they couldn’t hold on. The draw was fair for both teams.
Complete statistics for Japan vs Paraguay
| Statistic | Japan | Paraguay |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 2 | 2 |
| Goals | Ogawa, Ueda | Almirón, Diego Gómez |
| Ball possession | 49% | 51% |
| Total completions | 12 | 14 |
| Finishes on target | 6 | 7 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 2 |
| Right passes | 417 | 412 |
| Pass efficiency | 88% | 85% |
| Goalkeeper saves | 5 | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | ~1.84 | ~1.67 |
These numbers reveal a balance—Paraguay had a slight advantage in possession and total shots, but Japan made up for it with timely efficiency. Their greater finishing accuracy determined the draw.
Tactical analysis – how Japan and Paraguay positioned themselves
Japan: Patience, Transitions, and Adaptation
The Japanese plan revolved around controlling the pace and exploiting the flanks. Moriyasu instructed the full-backs to push forward with support, while maintaining cover in the middle.
After conceding the second goal, Japan began to apply high pressure, provoke mistakes, and bring in fresh players. Ueda’s introduction was clinical, activating the attack.
The Japanese defense remained focused in the final minutes, closing spaces and avoiding scares, demonstrating physical and mental maturity.
Paraguay: Initial control and final collapse
Paraguay sought to prevail in the first half, maintaining pressure and using Almirón as an offensive pivot. They controlled parts of the match with intelligent possession.
However, in the second half, a lack of attacking options, excessive retreat, and decisive errors by Gatito Fernández proved costly. The Paraguayan team seemed confident, but succumbed to the Japanese comeback in the final minutes.
The choice to hold back vs. continue attacking is a lesson: defensive balance needs to be accompanied by purposeful transitions.
Individual highlights and decisive moments
- Ayase Ueda : came on when the game was on Paraguay’s side, showed goalscoring instinct and accurate area occupation with the decisive header.
- Koki Ogawa : maintained his presence in the box, changed the tempo of the game and scored the first Japanese goal.
- Miguel Almirón : showed leadership and offensive presence, scoring Paraguay’s first goal.
- Diego Gómez : scored Paraguay’s second goal and contributed with intelligent movements in the middle.
- Gatito Fernández : He was poor in the Japanese goals, making critical mistakes under pressure.
Coaches and players highlighted the effort, Japan’s resilience and Paraguay’s need for a tactical review.
Repercussion, impact and upcoming challenges
For Japan, the draw serves as a morale boost ahead of the friendly against Brazil. The team shows it can bounce back, even in the face of adversity.
In Paraguay, fans and the press criticized the defensive stability—especially Gatito’s performance. The coach should review his goalkeeping choices and make adjustments to the defensive system.
In the next commitments:
- Japan vs. Brazil will be a test of continental proportions.
- Paraguay vs. South Korea will require adjusting mindsets and avoiding mistakes.
The draw makes it clear: no one has any room for error anymore, especially in friendlies preparing for major tournaments.
Conclusion – Japan vs Paraguay: balance, learning and perspectives
The Japan-Paraguay friendly was more than just a warm-up match—it accurately reflected the current state of both teams. Japan demonstrated emotional and tactical development, reacting with intensity and discipline until the final seconds, while Paraguay demonstrated offensive prowess but defensive vulnerability at critical moments.
The 2-2 result reflects the balance between two teams seeking consistency before bigger challenges. For Japan, Ayase Ueda’s late goal reinforces the resilient mindset coach Moriyasu has been building. For Paraguay, the lesson is clear: controlling the game requires more than holding on to the result—you need to know how to kill the game.
Now, with a friendly against Brazil looming, Japan enters the field motivated, while Paraguay adjusts its defensive lines and seeks to correct flaws. Both teams emerge with more answers than questions, which is a positive sign in this stretch of international preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (Extended FAQ) – Japan vs Paraguay
1. When and where was Japan vs Paraguay?
Game held on October 10, 2025, at Panasonic Stadium Suita, Japan.
2. What is the final score?
2-2 draw.
3. Who scored?
Japan: Ogawa in the 26th minute and Ueda in the 90’+4. Paraguay: Almirón in the 20th minute and Diego Gómez in the 64th minute.
4. Who stood out?
Ayase Ueda, who equalized, and Koki Ogawa for Japan; Miguel Almirón for Paraguay.
5. How was Paraguay’s defensive performance?
They conceded space in the final minutes and failed to sustain themselves. Gatito was criticized for decisive errors.
6. What’s each team’s next game?
Japan faces Brazil; Paraguay faces South Korea.
7. Was the draw fair?
Yes, given the balance of the game and the strength of both teams’ reactions.
8. How many fans attended?
Approximately 34,169 people attended the stadium.
9. What is the history between Japan and Paraguay?
In head-to-head matches in Japan: 7 matches, with 4 Japanese wins, 2 draws, and 1 Paraguayan win.
10. Do these types of matches influence the official rankings?
Yes — friendlies also count towards FIFA ranking points, although to a lesser extent than official matches.
