Paraguay, Japan at 0-0 through 1 hour of round of 16 match at World Cup

Paraguay, Japan at 0-0 after hour

PRETORIA, South Africa — Paraguay and Japan remain at 0-0 in their World Cup second-round match.

The best chance early in the second half came from Edgar Benitez, who appeared to have space for a left-footed drive, but Japan center back Yuji Nakazawa made a lunging block. Christian Riveros also headed a shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Both teams came close to an opening goal in the first half. Paraguay forward Lucas Barrios sidestepped the last defender in the 20th minute, but keeper Eiji Kawashima got down to block the flicked shot.

Japan then nearly scored in the 22nd when Daisuke Matsui’s 25-yard shot hit the crossbar.

Paraguay’s Roque Santa Cruz and Japan’s Keisuke Honda both shot wide later in the half.