When Ayase Ueda, the 26‑year‑old forward for Royal Union Saint‑Gilloise, rose above the Paraguay defence in the 90+4 minute to head home a cross from Junya Ito, it sparked a roar that turned a 2‑1 loss into a 2‑2 draw for Japan in a friendly at Panasonic Stadium Suita. The match unfolded on Friday, 10 October 2025, under the bright lights of the 47,816‑seat venue in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, with 34,169 fans watching. Both sides were using the game as a final dress rehearsal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Historical Context
The fourth encounter between the Japan national team and the Paraguay national team has always been a tight affair. Their first meeting was the 2‑2 stalemate at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea/Japan, followed by Japan’s 3‑1 win in Saitama in 2019 and Paraguay’s 1‑0 victory in Asunción in 2022. That lineage made the 2025 friendly feel like a déjà vu, with both coaches eager to test new formations before the qualifiers.
Match Details and Key Moments
Paraguay struck first in the 20th minute when Miguel Almirón slotted home a Damián Bobadilla pass. Japan answered swiftly five minutes later as Koki Ogawa finished a slick move orchestrated by Kaishu Sano, leveling the score at 1‑1.
The hosts reclaimed the lead in the 64th minute: Diego Gómez met a Juan Cáceres cross and curled the ball past goalkeeper Zento Suzuki. With ten minutes to go, Japan pressed hard, substituting captain Takumi Minamino for midfielder Daichi Kamada to inject fresh energy. The gamble paid off when a late‑stage corner found Ueda, whose header sealed the 2‑2 draw.
Substitutions painted a vivid picture of the tactical chess game. Japan brought on Yuto Soma for Junya Ito in the 78th minute, while Paraguay swapped Almirón for Derlis González a minute later. Each change was aimed at preserving stamina for the looming World Cup qualifiers.
- Attendance: 34,169 (≈71% of stadium capacity)
- Goals: Almirón (20'), Ogawa (26'), Gómez (64'), Ueda (90+4')
- Referee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
- Weather: Clear skies, 22 °C
Reactions from the Dugout
Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his side’s resilience: “We knew we had to fight until the final whistle. Ueda’s header shows our never‑give‑up attitude, and it’s exactly the spirit we need for the World Cup.”
Paraguay manager Daniel Garnero remained optimistic despite the late concession: “We created two good chances and controlled large phases of the game. The draw is a respectable result, but we’ll analyse what cost us the three points.”
Implications for 2026 World Cup Preparations
The result offers both camps a mixed bag of insights. Japan’s ability to score late suggests a strong mental edge, a quality that could prove decisive in tight knockout games. Conversely, the defensive lapse that allowed the late header points to an area for improvement, especially against teams that specialise in set‑pieces.
For Paraguay, the match highlighted their attacking potency through Almirón and Gómez but also exposed a lack of composure under pressure. Going forward, Garnero hinted at a possible shift to a more compact midfield to shield the back line.
Upcoming Fixtures and What’s Next
Just four days later, on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, Japan will travel to Rio de Janeiro to face Brazil in another friendly, a test that many pundits consider the ultimate benchmark before the World Cup. Paraguay, meanwhile, will meet South Korea in Seoul, giving them a chance to gauge Asian opposition ahead of potential inter‑confederation play‑offs.
Both national teams will use those matches to finalise squad selections, fine‑tune tactical setups, and, above all, build the confidence needed for a successful World Cup campaign.
Background: The Road to the 2026 World Cup
Japan qualified for every World Cup since 1998, consistently reaching the knockout stage. Their current manager, Moriyasu, has overseen a blend of European‑based talent—like striker Takumi Minamino at AS Monaco—and J‑League stars, fostering a versatile side.
Paraguay, a regular World Cup participant but without a tournament appearance since 2010, aims to break the drought. Almirón’s experience in the English Premier League and the youthful spark of Diego Gómez provide a promising core.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Japan's World Cup preparation?
The 2‑2 draw demonstrates Japan's capacity to respond under pressure, an attribute vital for knockout stages. Coach Moriyasu will likely keep the winning mentality while tightening set‑piece defending, which proved costly in the final minutes.
What were the key tactical changes made during the match?
Japan substituted their captain Minamino for Kamada to add midfield stamina and later introduced Yuto Soma for Ito to boost wing play. Paraguay brought on Derlis González to preserve Almirón's energy and attempted a more direct approach in the closing stages.
Who were the standout performers for Paraguay?
Miguel Almirón’s early strike and Diego Gómez’s second‑half goal highlighted Paraguay’s attacking flair. Defenders Fabián Balbuena and Junior Alonso also managed to keep Japan at bay for most of the match.
Will the upcoming friendly against Brazil be a bigger test for Japan?
Absolutely. Brazil’s high‑pressing style and individual brilliance will push Japan’s defensive organisation to its limits, offering a clearer picture of any adjustments needed before the World Cup.
How significant was the attendance figure for this friendly?
Drawing 34,169 fans—about 71% of the stadium’s capacity—underscores growing domestic interest in the national team ahead of the World Cup, providing an energetic backdrop for the players.
Madhav Kumthekar
October 11, 2025 AT 01:32Great to see Ueda's determination, and it actually highlights how Japan is working on set‑piece routines in training; the coaching staff have been tweaking the timing of corner deliveries for months now and the data shows a noticeable uptick in aerial success rates – definitely a sign they're preparing for clutch moments in the World Cup. Also, the late goal underlines the importance of stamina drills, which Moriyasu has reportedly intensified after the previous qualifiers.