Paraguay reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time with a penalty shoot-out victory over Japan.

Paraguay reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time with a penalty shoot-out victory over Japan.

The South Americans held their nerve to edge out Japan following a disappointing goalless game of few chances in Pretoria.

Substitute Oscar Cardozo nonchalantly stroked home the decisive penalty after all four of his teammates had confidently netted their own spot-kicks.

For Japan, Yuichi Komano was the fall guy as he rattled the woodwork with his side's third penalty as Paraguay eventually won 5-3 on penalties.

The few clear-cut chances that a cagey previous 120 minutes of football had brought all arrived in the opening half.

Neither nation had ever made it past the round of 16 before and perhaps nerves at the chance to make history played their part as the game passed off with few moments of genuine excitement.

Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was called into action after 20 minutes when he was forced to block Lucas Barrios' close-range shot after a sublime spin and turn took him past two defenders.

Roque Santa Cruz pulled a 10-yard shot wide after a scramble at a corner in the only other clear chance of a dour first half.

After the break the game continued in the same vein with both sides letting fly with a string of hopeful long shots and sending aimless crosses into the opposition penalty box.

Extra-time brought another brave save from Kawashima at the feet of substitute Nelson Haedo Valdez after a smart turn on the edge of the box had opened up the Japan defence.

Justo Villar was forced to tip behind a low 25-yard free-kick from the left foot of the hard-working Keisuke Honda as the spectre of penalty kicks, which Japan would go on to rue, slowly became a reality.