When Japan national football team met Paraguay national football team at Panasonic Stadium Suita on 10 October 2025, the game ended in a dramatic draw that left fans buzzing about 2026 World Cup hopes. The International Friendly Match 2025Suita, Osaka Prefecture kicked off at 10:20 UTC under clear skies, with both sides eager to test new formations before the qualification sprint.

Match Overview

The opening 20 minutes were a textbook example of Paraguay’s quick‑transition game. Miguel Almirón sliced through the Japanese back line and curled a left‑footed finish into the top corner at the 20‑minute mark. Japan answered just six minutes later when Koki Ogawa latched onto a through‑ball from Takumi Minamino and nudged it past the Paraguayan keeper.

Half‑time arrived with the score level at 1‑1, and the teams went into the dressing rooms with everything to play for. The second half saw Paraguay take the lead again when Diego Gómez headed in a cross amid a gentle wind that favored attackers. Japan’s late surge, fuelled by fresh legs, culminated in Ayase Ueda slamming home a winner in the fourth minute of added time, sealing the 2‑2 result.

Key Moments and Tactical Shifts

Paraguay’s first substitution came at 63 minutes, bringing on Gómez for Juan Iturbe in an attempt to sharpen their aerial threat. Japan replied a minute later, swapping in Kaoru Mitoma for veteran Takumi Minamino. The tempo spiked as both coaches—Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu and Paraguay’s Gustavo Morínigo—tested fresh legs in midfield.

The decisive moment arrived at 78 minutes when Japan introduced Ueda for Ogawa, shifting the striker’s role to a more central, poaching position. Minutes later, a swift Paraguayan change—bringing on Raúl Martínez for Ángel Sanabria—was meant to reinforce defensive solidity, but it opened a sliver that Ueda exploited.

Statistical Breakdown

Statistical Breakdown

  • Possession: Japan 58 % – Paraguay 42 %
  • Total shots: Japan 14 (6 on target) – Paraguay 10 (4 on target)
  • Pass accuracy: Japan 84 % – Paraguay 78 %
  • Highest‑rated players (Sofascore): Junya Itō (7.8) and Miguel Almirón (7.6)

The numbers tell a clear story: Japan controlled the midfield but struggled to convert dominance into goals, while Paraguay’s efficiency in limited chances kept them in contention until the final whistle.

Reactions and Expert Takeaways

After the final whistle, Moriyasu praised his side’s resilience: “We showed we can respond under pressure. Ueda’s late goal proves the depth we have across the frontline.” Morínigo, meanwhile, highlighted the need for sharper finishing: “Almirón and Gómez did well, but we must improve how we create clear-cut chances against disciplined defenses.”

Analysts at ESPN noted that the match provided a useful benchmark for both squads ahead of the Asian and South American qualifying rounds. The quick succession of substitutions—12 in total—underscored each coach’s willingness to experiment with formations that could be crucial in the high‑stakes matches to come.

Future Implications

Future Implications

For Japan, the draw serves as both encouragement and warning. The next friendly against Australia on 15 November 2025 will likely test the defensive line that conceded two second‑half goals in Osaka. Paraguay, on the other hand, heads into a showdown with Brazil on 18 November 2025, where they’ll need to tighten up at the back while preserving the counter‑attack that produced Almirón’s early strike.

Both federations have indicated that data from this match—possession patterns, pressing triggers, and set‑piece outcomes—will be fed into their scouting departments as they fine‑tune squad selections for the qualifiers. In a region where margins are razor‑thin, a single goal at the end of a friendly can shift confidence levels in ways that echo through the qualifying campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this draw affect Japan’s World Cup qualifying strategy?

The result highlights Japan’s strength in possession but also exposes a need for sharper finishing. Coach Moriyasu is expected to prioritize more direct attacking drills before the November clash with Australia, aiming to turn dominance into goals when the stakes are higher.

Which players stood out for Paraguay and why?

Miguel Almirón’s early breakthrough set the tone, while Diego Gómez’s aerial goal demonstrated Paraguay’s effectiveness on set pieces. Both received high Sofascore ratings, indicating their impact across the pitch.

What tactical changes did the coaches implement in the second half?

Japan introduced Ayase Ueda to press higher and add a poacher’s instinct in the box, while Paraguay swapped in a larger striker, Diego Gómez, to capitalize on aerial opportunities. Both sides also rotated midfielders to maintain intensity.

When is the next match for each team, and who are their opponents?

Japan’s next friendly is scheduled for 15 November 2025 against Australia in Sydney. Paraguay will face Brazil on 18 November 2025 in Asunción, a key test before the South American qualifying round begins.

How did the venue’s conditions influence the game?

Panasonic Stadium Suita’s clear skies and mild wind favored wing play and aerial duels. The wind particularly aided Diego Gómez’s heading attempt that gave Paraguay the second‑half lead.