Paraguay, Japan heading to penalty kicks in World Cup as both teams try to reach quarterfinals

Paraguay, Japan heading to penalty kicks in WCup

PRETORIA, South Africa — Paraguay and Japan are heading to a penalty kicks shootout Tuesday after a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time as both teams try to make the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Paraguay had the best chance in extra time in the 97th, when Claudio Morel cut in from the left and fed the ball to a sliding Nelson Valdez. But the substitute’s shot went straight to goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

Japan’s prowess on free kicks nearly paid off in the 98th when Keisuke Honda forced a save by goalkeeper Justo Villar.

The winner of the shootout will face either Spain or Portugal in the quarterfinals.