Abby Brammell

By Mike Dickson

Punch drunk: Andy Murray reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the second successive year after powering past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets


Andy Murray last night pledged that he is ready to end Britain’s long wait for a men’s
Wimbledon champion by making the quantum leap into the final at the expense of Rafael Nadal.

With Roger Federer sensationally ousted yesterday by Czech Tomas Berdych, Murray earned himself a semi-final shot at world No 1 Nadal tomorrow by coming back to defeat France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.

‘Rafa’s obviously a very tough player on any surface and he plays great here,’ said Murray after his 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. ‘I know it’s going to be an incredibly difficult match to win, but I believe I can if I play well.

‘Psychologically I need to believe that I can win the match, that’s the most important thing. He’s still favourite and must be playing well, but the odds are completely irrelevant.


Balancing act: Murray is targeting a first Grand Slam - but knows Nadal will be no pushover


‘It’s something that’s joked about by other players and people within tennis about how long it’s been.

‘It would be incredible to win a Grand Slam and to win your first one here, that would make it extra special.

‘But I’m still a long way from doing that, six sets away. I’ve got to beat the No 1 player in the world if I want to have a chance of doing it.’


Balancing act: Murray is targeting a first Grand Slam - but knows Nadal will be no pushover


‘It’s something that’s joked about by other players and people within tennis about how long it’s been.

‘It would be incredible to win a Grand Slam and to win your first one here, that would make it extra special.

‘But I’m still a long way from doing that, six sets away. I’ve got to beat the No 1 player in the world if I want to have a chance of doing it.’


source: dailymail

By Mail Online Reporter

Cheer up, you're on holiday: A dejected Wayne Rooney pushes his eight-month-old son Kai through Barbados airport
Although excited to see his latest property acquisition, the 24-year-old looked dejected after his disappointing performance in South Africa.


Wayne Rooney and his family arrived in Barbados yesterday for a holiday booked two days before the England team crashed out of the World Cup.

Joined by his wife Coleen, their son Kai, her brothers Anthony and Joseph and some of her female friends, the entourage headed to the Rooney's lavish £5million holiday home on the island.

While WAG Coleen previously visited the house in February, this is the first time Wayne has seen the luxury mansion since builders broke ground last year.

Wheeling his adorable son Kai, eight months, through the airport, Wayne looked miserable compared to his cheery wife Coleen.

Yesterday, it was revealed the Rooney had booked the flights to Barbados two days before England were knocked out of the World Cup after their 4-1 loss to Germany.

Perhaps feeling pessimistic about their chances, the striker had booked first class tickets for himself, Coleen and her two brothers on British Airways to the Caribbean at £5,923 each.


No wonder she's smiling: Coleen's trip to Barbados is the second time she's visited the island in five months - and her third holiday this year


On Tuesday, his management told The Sun he had made ‘contingency plans’ allowing him to go abroad at different stages of the tournament.

And as the bitter backlash over the nation’s worst ever World Cup defeat continued, the striker, who failed to score at the tournament, will be glad to be out of the country.

He is part of an exodus of England players and staff fleeing rather than staying at home to face the wrath of fans.

The Rooneys plans to spend time at their new holiday home, before enjoying a Caribbean cruise, and then a few days in Las Vegas - one of their favourite holiday destinations.


Daddy's boy: Wayne lifts his son into his car seat at the airport


When the Rooneys previous visited the Caribbean island in June 2009, the house was mid-way through construction.

The six bedroom villa comes with an infinity pool and breathtaking sea views from the bedroom, and the living room areas.

Coleen has furnished the Rooneys villa according to her exacting tastes.


source: dailymail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNcJHmfegSQendofvid
[starttext]

We reported earlier that a new 5-member girl group called Girl’s Day would be making their debut on July 9th under DreamTea Entertainment and they have now released more information about the group members.

Having recognized an international fan forum and doing flash mobs, DreamTea Entertainment has now gone a further step in introducing the group’s members to fans. After Min Ah and Ji In, the 3rd member is Ji Sun with a video about her getting uploaded via their official Youtube channel. Follow her on Twitter too!
[endtext]

By Neil Moxley

Day in the sun: The impeccable Tsvetana Pironkova punished an error-prone Venus Williams


For the second day in succession, Venus Williams lost her bear ings around Wimbledon.

Unlike on Monday, this time it proved fatal.

While the five-time champion emerged nothing more than disorientated by the unfamiliar surroundings on Court No 2, she was left dizzy from defeat yesterday as Tsvetana Pironkova caused the upset of the Championships so far.

The No 2 seed had been left to fend for herself ahead of her fourth round match, failing to grasp that she would not be escorted to an outside show court.

That almost led to her forfeiting her place in the tournament after she arrived five minutes late.

But on Court No 1 she really did fail to turn up, leaving her normally reliable game on grass behind in the locker room, as the Bulgarian triumphed 6-2, 6-3 to pull off what was easily the best result of her career so far.


Floored: Tsvetana Pironkova is elated after clinching victory


The magnitude of Pironkova’s achievement is underlined by the statistics. In the past decade, Venus has lifted the famous Venus Rosewater dish five times and contested another three finals.

And her Bulgarian opponent, who fell during the qualifiers at Eastbourne to British teenager Heather Watson and hails from a country without a single grass court, was rated at 150-1 to win the Wimbledon title before this quarter-final


Terrible day at the office: Venus Williams


‘The match was over a lot quicker than I thought it would be,’ said the unseeded Pironkova, who also knocked Venus out of the Australian Open fours years ago.

‘Winning 6-2, 6-3 was a big surprise. I expected a longer match. I haven’t played against anyone with a faster serve.

‘But maybe her first-serve percentage wasn’t very good. And I really pushed her a lot. She started very strong but then I guess I resisted.’

There was no real explanation from Venus, other than this was just a bad day at the office. A very bad day, in fact.

‘It was not a good match today,’ said Williams, whose defeat now leaves sister Serena the overwhelming favourite to win the Wimbledon crown.

‘I was in a spiral and just could not hit balls in. I don’t think I did anything right. I didn’t do myself any favours. She played solidly, but I contributed to her effort.

'There were too many unforced errors. If there was a shot to miss, I missed it — forehand, volley, backhand.

‘I just got too caught up in the mistakes I was making instead of letting go and moving on. I expect a lot from myself at this tournament. Maybe I’m a little too hard on myself.

‘But this wasn’t as tough as my fourth round, or my third, or even my second round. I wasn’t overpowered. I just kind of let myself exit.

'Obviously, I’m not pleased with this result but I have to move on. What else can I do? Unless I have a time machine, which I don’t.’

Williams made 29 unforced errors. But just as much as that, it was problems with her serve that led to her downfall.

Time and again she doublefaulted. Indecision during her ballthrowing gave rise to the suspicion that all was not well. She looked forlornly up at her family for inspiration.It never came. Sensing this, Pironkova took her chance.


The toast of Court One: Tsvetana Pironkova won the applause of the watching public


She may be slight in stature at just 10 stone but she fought fire with fire and, by penning her opponent as close to the baseline as possible, engaged her in combat that Williams really did not feel comfortable with.

It was some performance from the 22-year-old who played her first match on grass only five years ago and now faces Vera Zvonareva in tomorrow’s semi-final.

‘I think it was at Roehampton,’ she said, ‘I thought, “Wow, it’s impossible. How can I play on this surface?” But I feel better and better.

‘The last time I beat her I was shocked, you know, at all the attention. But I’ve learned my lesson now.’

Then, asked whether the dominance of the Williams sisters was nearing its end, she replied: ‘They are still doing pretty well, but at one point in the future it will.

'I guess it may be soon.’

For Venus, her interest in the 2010 competition is certainly over. And how.


source: dailymail

By Sportsmail Reporter

Spitting mad: Cristiano Ronaldo vents his anger in defeat in the most unsavoury manner by spitting at TV camerman


Cristiano Ronaldo ook out his frustration by spitting towards a TV camera following Portugal's exit last night.

The Real Madrid winger spat at the feet of a cameraman who was trailing him at the final whistle.

Ronaldo endured a particularly poor night and appeared not to take kindly to being the focus of attention as he trudged off the pitch.

It is a far cry from the last World Cup in Germany when he winked at team-mates after getting Wayne Rooney sent off in Portugal's quarter-final victory over England.


Ask the boss: Unhappy after Portugal's exit and a poor performance Ronaldo directed post-match questions towards coach Carlos Queiroz


Ronaldo was in no mood to take the blame for the 1-0 loss to Spain and appeared to point the finger at the coach who made him captain, saying only: 'Ask Carlos Queiroz.'


source: dailymail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR9oMTs4qtUendofvid
[starttext]
By Ian Ladyman in Cape Town

King David: Striker David Villa clips the ball over Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo to score the decisive goal for Spain


Just as South American teams were threatening to sweep all before them, Spain delivered a superb reminder on Tuesday night that the champions of Europe are more than capable of claiming the biggest prize in the game.

Vicente del Bosque's side were forced to reach the World Cup quarter-finals the hard way. Portugal provided stern opposition and they can count themselves unlucky to be going home. Ultimately, they paid the price for being drawn in a difficult group and, as a result, progressing as the second-placed team behind tournament favourites Brazil.

Spain, though, were irresistible at times and - the out-of-form Fernando Torres notwithstanding - they produced a spell midway through the second half last night that culminated in a fourth tournament goal for David Villa and a last-eight match-up with Paraguay.


Headache: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo endures a frustrating night


Torres was so ineffectual that he had been substituted five minutes before his team scored. He will surely start the quarter-final but there is a growing case for his omission. That, of course, is a debate for later in the week. Last night was all about the heavenly gifts of the Barcelona trio, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Villa.

The admirable thing about teams like Spain, and indeed Portugal, is that there is so much to watch even when the game is a stalemate, as it was for an hour last night.

When the going is tough and the route to goal uncertain, these teams do not ask their central defenders to hit long balls. They rely on what they do best and trust that, eventually, they will do it well enough to break through.

This is what happened last night as Spain emerged from a period of uncertainty either side of half-time to spring forward and secure the vital goal.

Del Bosque's team almost scored twice in a minute just after Torres had been replaced by Fernando Llorente, who headed a superb Sergio Ramos cross straight at goalkeeper Eduardo. Villa then curled a ferocious shot inches wide with his right foot.

Seconds later, though, they were ahead and it was a superbly crafted goal. Iniesta and Xavi - who else? - combined on the edge of the penalty area to play in Villa and when his first shot came back off Eduardo, he rammed the rebound high into the net.


Seven heaven: Villa wheels away in delight after his decisive goal


It was tough on the Portugal goalkeeper, who enjoyed an impressive night. He later left the field in tears.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo cut a miserable figure, too. His irritation was understandable. After a stellar first season at Real Madrid, he did not produce anything like his best form at this World Cup and the forward endured a poor night against Spain.

No matter. This was a game that Spain deserved to win, if only just. They began brightly, with Torres and Villa (twice) bringing saves from Eduardo in the first 10 minutes, and for a while it looked as though Xavi would simply pass Portugal on to the plane home. However, Portugal were unbeaten in 19 games before last night and - content to play on the break - they grew into the game.


Flashpoint: Argentine referee Hector Baldassi shows the red card to Portugal's Ricardo Costa as Joan Capdevila writhes in agony


Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas pushed up a Tiago drive and then had to paw the ball away from under his own bar as striker Hugo Almeida closed in. Tiago and Almeida then went close with headers.


Notice of the Portuguese threat had duly been served but the game took its decisive course in the quarter of an hour after half-time as an Almeida cross struck Carles Puyol and almost looped in, before Spain recovered to score.

Once ahead, they could have stretched further clear.

Eduardo saved well from Villa and the excellent right back Sergio Ramos, but Spain's all-round ability was best illustrated right at the death when left back Joan Capdevila threw himself into the path of a goalbound drive from Ricardo Carvalho. Spain are not just a pretty side.

Portugal lost their cool in the closing moments and, as tempers became frayed, a series of heavy challenges went in and Capdevila was left prone by an elbow from Ricardo Costa.

The defender was sent off. That, though, was not the story. Happily, there were better things to talk about.


source: dailymail
[endtext]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Qlb1-0V_4endofvid
[starttext]
By Matt Barlow reports from Pretoria

Dying hope: Japan in agony as lucky charm Yuichi Komano misses his penalty and Oscar Cardozo scores the winner


Paraguay coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino collapsed in his seat and cried like a baby.

Not tears of boredom at such a turgid spectacle but of pure joy as the Argentinian led his adopted nation to their first World Cup quarter-final.

Paraguay made it four South American teams in the last eight, from just five qualifiers, but they needed the tournament’s first penalty shoot-out to kill off Japan and it was Oscar Cardozo, a familiar name on Merseyside this season, who claimed the winning penalty.

Cardozo scored three for Benfica against Liverpool in their Europa League quarter-final, including two penalties in the first leg.

And he scored twice in a minute in a 5-0 destruction of Everton in Lisbon earlier in the campaign. For every shoot-out hero, however, there is a villain, so spare a thought for Japan’s Yuichi Komano — a player who has endured a series of harsh setbacks in his career.

Komano suffered thrombosis while recovering in hospital from a cruciate ligament injury, then broke his collarbone before an eye complaint almost made him blind.


Still running: Parauguay players celebrate after Cardozo's crucial penalty booked their place in the last eight


After overcoming his troubles, Komano was fondly named ‘Good Luck’ by fans, but last night his fortunes turned.

The penalty shoot-out was 3-2 to Paraguay when he stepped up. His shot struck the bar and flew into the sky.

Nelson Valdez and Keisuke Honda both found the net before Cardozo coolly completed the win, firing past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who had saved a penalty from Frank Lampard in a friendly last month and from Jon Dahl Tomasson in the group stage.

As Komano broke down on the pitch, manager Takeshi Okada strode solemnly out to console him.


Gutted: Japan's Komano looks to the sky after his penalty hits the crossbar and hands Paraguay the advantage


Martino was an emotional wreck too, removing his glasses to dry his eyes as he was mobbed by staff and players.

‘Everyone knows it is unfair to settle a game like this,’ said Martino.

‘When you make it all the way to the shoot-out you’ve made a huge effort and the tension is released, so many things go through your mind. That was the reason for the tears.’

Martino, a former Argentina player, won the Paraguay title four times before transforming the national team over the last three years.


Denied: Lucas Barrios (centre) can't find a way past Marcus Tulio Tanaka (left) and Eiji Kawashima


‘We celebrate with the rest of Paraguay,’ said Martino.

‘Let them enjoy it. The players made a huge effort. This is a success.

‘We know we are in the best eight in the world. We were just lucky in the shoot-out.

We had solidarity, enthusiasm and will to make it to the history books.’

Paraguay deserved to win, dominating possession over 120 goalless minutes and finishing strong in extra-time.


So close: Justo Villar is beaten by Daisuke Matsui but the bar saves the Paraguay keeper
Japan risked little but had their chances to seize the lead. Daisuke Matsui smashed a 30-yarder against the bar in the first half and CSKA Moscow striker Honda missed a terrific opportunity, firing wide from the edge of the penalty area before the break.

Roque Santa Cruz screwed Paraguay’s best chance wide from eight yards. ‘I have no regrets about how we played,’ said Japan boss Okada.

‘The players were wonderful. They represented Japan and Asia as a whole.’ He also hinted he may no longer be in charge by the next World Cup.

There is a rumour he intends to become a farmer.



CORRECTING ID OF PARAGUAY PLAYER Japan's defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka (R) deflects a ball next to Paraguay's striker Lucas Barrios (L) and Japan's defender Yuji Nakazawa during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Paraguay vs. Japan on June 29, 2010 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria.



Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz, second from left, and Paraguay's Paulo Da Silva, second from right in front, try to score a goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.




Paraguay's Paulo da Silva goes in for a tackle on Japan's Keisuke Honda during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.




Paraguay players, front row from left, Carlos Bonet, Nestor Ortigoza, Cristian Riveros, Claudio Morel, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios, back row from left, Enrique Vera, goalkeeper Justo Villar, Antolin Alcaraz, Roque Santa Cruz, and Paulo Da Silva pose for a team photo before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.




Paraguay's Edgar Benitez (R) and Cristian Riveros (16) fall during the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.



Japan's national soccer team poses for a photo at a 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010. Pictured are (front L-R) Japan's Makoto Hasebe, Yuto Nagatomo, Yasuhito Endo, Yuichi Komano, Yoshito Okubo, Daisuke Matsui, (rear L-R) Yuki Abe, Yuji Nakazawa, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, Tulio and Keisuke Honda.




Paraguay's team huddles before their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.



Japan supporters with Japan's national flag painted on their cheeks are pictured before the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Paraguay versus Japan on June 29, 2010 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.




A Japan's fan, with his face painted, waits for the start of the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match between Japan and Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.


Japan's Keisuke Honda (4th L) warms up with team mates before the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010

[endtext]

By Ian Ladyman in Cape Town

King David: Striker David Villa clips the ball over Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo to score the decisive goal for Spain


Just as South American teams were threatening to sweep all before them, Spain delivered a superb reminder on Tuesday night that the champions of Europe are more than capable of claiming the biggest prize in the game.

Vicente del Bosque's side were forced to reach the World Cup quarter-finals the hard way. Portugal provided stern opposition and they can count themselves unlucky to be going home. Ultimately, they paid the price for being drawn in a difficult group and, as a result, progressing as the second-placed team behind tournament favourites Brazil.

Spain, though, were irresistible at times and - the out-of-form Fernando Torres notwithstanding - they produced a spell midway through the second half last night that culminated in a fourth tournament goal for David Villa and a last-eight match-up with Paraguay.


Headache: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo endures a frustrating night


Torres was so ineffectual that he had been substituted five minutes before his team scored. He will surely start the quarter-final but there is a growing case for his omission. That, of course, is a debate for later in the week. Last night was all about the heavenly gifts of the Barcelona trio, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Villa.

The admirable thing about teams like Spain, and indeed Portugal, is that there is so much to watch even when the game is a stalemate, as it was for an hour last night.

When the going is tough and the route to goal uncertain, these teams do not ask their central defenders to hit long balls. They rely on what they do best and trust that, eventually, they will do it well enough to break through.

This is what happened last night as Spain emerged from a period of uncertainty either side of half-time to spring forward and secure the vital goal.

Del Bosque's team almost scored twice in a minute just after Torres had been replaced by Fernando Llorente, who headed a superb Sergio Ramos cross straight at goalkeeper Eduardo. Villa then curled a ferocious shot inches wide with his right foot.

Seconds later, though, they were ahead and it was a superbly crafted goal. Iniesta and Xavi - who else? - combined on the edge of the penalty area to play in Villa and when his first shot came back off Eduardo, he rammed the rebound high into the net.


Seven heaven: Villa wheels away in delight after his decisive goal


It was tough on the Portugal goalkeeper, who enjoyed an impressive night. He later left the field in tears.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo cut a miserable figure, too. His irritation was understandable. After a stellar first season at Real Madrid, he did not produce anything like his best form at this World Cup and the forward endured a poor night against Spain.

No matter. This was a game that Spain deserved to win, if only just. They began brightly, with Torres and Villa (twice) bringing saves from Eduardo in the first 10 minutes, and for a while it looked as though Xavi would simply pass Portugal on to the plane home. However, Portugal were unbeaten in 19 games before last night and - content to play on the break - they grew into the game.


Flashpoint: Argentine referee Hector Baldassi shows the red card to Portugal's Ricardo Costa as Joan Capdevila writhes in agony


Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas pushed up a Tiago drive and then had to paw the ball away from under his own bar as striker Hugo Almeida closed in. Tiago and Almeida then went close with headers.


Notice of the Portuguese threat had duly been served but the game took its decisive course in the quarter of an hour after half-time as an Almeida cross struck Carles Puyol and almost looped in, before Spain recovered to score.

Once ahead, they could have stretched further clear.

Eduardo saved well from Villa and the excellent right back Sergio Ramos, but Spain's all-round ability was best illustrated right at the death when left back Joan Capdevila threw himself into the path of a goalbound drive from Ricardo Carvalho. Spain are not just a pretty side.

Portugal lost their cool in the closing moments and, as tempers became frayed, a series of heavy challenges went in and Capdevila was left prone by an elbow from Ricardo Costa.

The defender was sent off. That, though, was not the story. Happily, there were better things to talk about.



source: dailymail

By Matt Barlow reports from Pretoria

Dying hope: Japan in agony as lucky charm Yuichi Komano misses his penalty and Oscar Cardozo scores the winner


Paraguay coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino collapsed in his seat and cried like a baby.

Not tears of boredom at such a turgid spectacle but of pure joy as the Argentinian led his adopted nation to their first World Cup quarter-final.

Paraguay made it four South American teams in the last eight, from just five qualifiers, but they needed the tournament’s first penalty shoot-out to kill off Japan and it was Oscar Cardozo, a familiar name on Merseyside this season, who claimed the winning penalty.

Cardozo scored three for Benfica against Liverpool in their Europa League quarter-final, including two penalties in the first leg.

And he scored twice in a minute in a 5-0 destruction of Everton in Lisbon earlier in the campaign. For every shoot-out hero, however, there is a villain, so spare a thought for Japan’s Yuichi Komano — a player who has endured a series of harsh setbacks in his career.

Komano suffered thrombosis while recovering in hospital from a cruciate ligament injury, then broke his collarbone before an eye complaint almost made him blind.


Still running: Parauguay players celebrate after Cardozo's crucial penalty booked their place in the last eight


After overcoming his troubles, Komano was fondly named ‘Good Luck’ by fans, but last night his fortunes turned.

The penalty shoot-out was 3-2 to Paraguay when he stepped up. His shot struck the bar and flew into the sky.

Nelson Valdez and Keisuke Honda both found the net before Cardozo coolly completed the win, firing past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who had saved a penalty from Frank Lampard in a friendly last month and from Jon Dahl Tomasson in the group stage.

As Komano broke down on the pitch, manager Takeshi Okada strode solemnly out to console him.


Gutted: Japan's Komano looks to the sky after his penalty hits the crossbar and hands Paraguay the advantage


Martino was an emotional wreck too, removing his glasses to dry his eyes as he was mobbed by staff and players.

‘Everyone knows it is unfair to settle a game like this,’ said Martino.

‘When you make it all the way to the shoot-out you’ve made a huge effort and the tension is released, so many things go through your mind. That was the reason for the tears.’

Martino, a former Argentina player, won the Paraguay title four times before transforming the national team over the last three years.


Denied: Lucas Barrios (centre) can't find a way past Marcus Tulio Tanaka (left) and Eiji Kawashima


‘We celebrate with the rest of Paraguay,’ said Martino.

‘Let them enjoy it. The players made a huge effort. This is a success.

‘We know we are in the best eight in the world. We were just lucky in the shoot-out.

We had solidarity, enthusiasm and will to make it to the history books.’

Paraguay deserved to win, dominating possession over 120 goalless minutes and finishing strong in extra-time.


So close: Justo Villar is beaten by Daisuke Matsui but the bar saves the Paraguay keeper
Japan risked little but had their chances to seize the lead. Daisuke Matsui smashed a 30-yarder against the bar in the first half and CSKA Moscow striker Honda missed a terrific opportunity, firing wide from the edge of the penalty area before the break.

Roque Santa Cruz screwed Paraguay’s best chance wide from eight yards. ‘I have no regrets about how we played,’ said Japan boss Okada.

‘The players were wonderful. They represented Japan and Asia as a whole.’ He also hinted he may no longer be in charge by the next World Cup.

There is a rumour he intends to become a farmer.



CORRECTING ID OF PARAGUAY PLAYER Japan's defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka (R) deflects a ball next to Paraguay's striker Lucas Barrios (L) and Japan's defender Yuji Nakazawa during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Paraguay vs. Japan on June 29, 2010 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria.



Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz, second from left, and Paraguay's Paulo Da Silva, second from right in front, try to score a goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.




Paraguay's Paulo da Silva goes in for a tackle on Japan's Keisuke Honda during their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.




Paraguay players, front row from left, Carlos Bonet, Nestor Ortigoza, Cristian Riveros, Claudio Morel, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios, back row from left, Enrique Vera, goalkeeper Justo Villar, Antolin Alcaraz, Roque Santa Cruz, and Paulo Da Silva pose for a team photo before the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, June 29, 2010.




Paraguay's Edgar Benitez (R) and Cristian Riveros (16) fall during the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.



Japan's national soccer team poses for a photo at a 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010. Pictured are (front L-R) Japan's Makoto Hasebe, Yuto Nagatomo, Yasuhito Endo, Yuichi Komano, Yoshito Okubo, Daisuke Matsui, (rear L-R) Yuki Abe, Yuji Nakazawa, goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, Tulio and Keisuke Honda.




Paraguay's team huddles before their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.



Japan supporters with Japan's national flag painted on their cheeks are pictured before the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Paraguay versus Japan on June 29, 2010 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.




A Japan's fan, with his face painted, waits for the start of the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match between Japan and Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010.


Japan's Keisuke Honda (4th L) warms up with team mates before the 2010 World Cup second round soccer match between Paraguay and Japan at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria June 29, 2010