Late Ueda Header Salvages Draw for Japan Against Resilient Paraguay

OSAKA — For 90 minutes, Japan had probed and pressed, searching desperately for an equalizer that seemed destined never to arrive. Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Ayase Ueda rose above the Paraguayan defense to nod home Junya Ito's cross, rescuing a 2-2 draw that felt more like a defeat averted than a result earned.

The Samurai Blue, still reeling from a disappointing September tour of North America that included a shutout loss to the United States and a scoreless stalemate with Mexico, needed a confidence-boosting performance at Panasonic Stadium Suita. What they received instead was another reminder of the work ahead, as Paraguay's organized defense and clinical finishing exposed familiar vulnerabilities in Hajime Moriyasu's side.

Miguel Almirón set the tone early, exploiting space behind Japan's backline to fire Paraguay ahead in the 20th minute with a composed finish that silenced the home crowd. The Newcastle United attacker's goal demonstrated precisely the kind of efficiency Japan has struggled to replicate during their recent run of just one victory in their last five matches.

Japan's response came quickly enough. Koki Ogawa, thriving in the absence of several first-choice attackers, leveled the score six minutes later with a well-taken goal assisted by Kaishu Sano. The striker's finish offered a glimpse of the attacking fluidity that has characterized Japan's successful campaigns, including their commanding performances at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in July, where they dispatched China 2-0 and demolished Hong Kong 6-1.

But momentum proved fleeting. Paraguay, riding confidence from a perfect start to September that included a crucial 1-0 victory over Peru in World Cup qualifying and a solid defensive display against Ecuador, reasserted control through the second half. Diego Gómez restored the visitors' advantage in the 64th minute, capitalizing on defensive disorganization that has become an unwelcome pattern for Japan.

As the match entered its final stages, Japan threw bodies forward with increasing desperation. Manager Moriyasu cycled through substitutions, introducing Daichi Kamada, Yuki Soma, Shuto Machino, Joel Chima Fujita, and Koki Saito in search of fresh legs and creative solutions. The changes disrupted Paraguay's defensive rhythm but failed to produce clear chances until the dying moments.

Ueda's dramatic header — his second involvement after coming on as a 79th-minute substitute for Ogawa — prevented what would have been Japan's third winless match in four outings. The goal underscored both the depth of Japan's attacking options and the precariousness of their current form. A team that dominated regional competition just three months ago now finds itself grateful for last-gasp heroics in a friendly match.

For Paraguay, the draw extended an impressive unbeaten streak that stretches back through their September qualifiers. Coach Daniel Garnero's side demonstrated the defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat that has them well-positioned in South American World Cup qualifying. Though they couldn't hold on for victory, their performance against a higher-ranked opponent validated their tactical approach and suggested they remain on an upward trajectory.

The contrasting emotional responses told the story. Japanese players slumped with relief rather than celebration, while Paraguayan defenders held their heads high despite surrendering the late equalizer. In international football's unforgiving landscape, these moments matter — not for points, but for psychology and preparation.

Japan's inability to control matches against quality opposition raises questions about their readiness for the rigors ahead. With World Cup qualification on the horizon and expectations perpetually high, Moriyasu needs to rediscover the defensive organization and attacking cohesion that have historically defined successful Japanese sides. The Samurai Blue possess the talent, evidenced by their dominant summer performances, but translating that quality into consistent results against global competition remains elusive.

Paraguay, meanwhile, can return to South American qualifying with confidence intact and a blueprint for frustrating technically superior opponents. The near-victory in Osaka won't count in the standings, but it counts for something far more valuable: belief that they belong among the continent's elite.