Oscar Cardozo came on in the 94th minute
Joy for Paraguay. Heartbreak for Japan.
The Guaranies beat the Samurai Blue, 5-3 in a penalty shootout after being deadlocked, 0-0, through regulation and extra time.
Oscar Cardozo, the big Benfica striker converted his penalty in his country’s most significant World Cup win. Paraguay entered the quarterfinals for the first time after 80 years.
Paraguay joins Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil to swell the ranks of the South American contingent. Only Ghana stands in the way in the race between Europe and South America.
The quarterfinal lineups:
Ghana vs Uruguay, Netherlands vs Brazil, Argentina vs Germany, and Paraguay vs either Spain or Portugal.