Paraguay, Japan still 0-0 halfway through extra time as both teams try to reach quarterfinals

Paraguay, Japan still scoreless in extra time

PRETORIA, South Africa — Paraguay and Japan are 0-0 midway through extra time as both teams try to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Paraguay’s Nestor Valdez had the best chance of extra time, stretching to get his foot to the ball at close range, but goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima smothered the shot.

The South Americans dominated possession in the first 90 minutes, but Japan had its chances. Daisuke Matsui saw his shot from 25 yards hit the crossbar in the 22nd minute.

Paraguay forward Lucas Barrios latched onto a pass in the 20th and sidestepped the last defender into the penalty area, but his weak shot went straight at Kawashima.