But Paraguay's joy was Japan's agony as Yuichi Komano's spot-kick brushed the crossbar and flew over as the Blue Samurai's tournament came to an agonising end.

BBC: Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 pens)

Japan appointed Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni after Takeshi Okada stood down in July, having taken the "Blue Samurai" into the second round of football's biggest tournament before losing on penalties to Paraguay.

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The Blue Samurai, unchanged for their fourth straight World Cup match, sat deep and attempted to snuff out the opposition, while their opponents conceded a series of niggling fouls every time Japan looked to strike on the counter.

BBC: Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 pens)

Japan still hold a six-point lead over Jordan, who moved from bottom to second, at the top of Asian qualifying Group B and the Blue Samurai will secure a place at next year's finals if they avoid defeat against Australia in June.

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