Late Ueda Header Saves Japan in Thrilling Draw With Paraguay

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his strikers after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Paraguay in Osaka on Friday, according to AFP. With the World Cup approaching, the Samurai Blue showed resilience as substitutes and forwards stepped up in the absence of several regular starters, including Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo.

Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda came off the bench to rescue Japan in the fourth minute of added time, stooping to head home a late equaliser. His goal salvaged a result after Paraguay twice took the lead in a tightly contested friendly. Earlier, NEC Nijmegen’s Koki Ogawa had levelled in the first half when his powerful shot forced an own goal from goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez.

🇯🇵 Ayase Ueda (上田 綺世) equalizes at the death for Japan against Paraguay 🇵🇾

Not sure what to make of this Japanese performance tonight.

pic.twitter.com/Erg3CBJurS

— Arya (@Twenty9United) October 10, 2025

Former Newcastle United winger Miguel Almirón opened the scoring for Paraguay midway through the first half before Ogawa’s quick reply. Brighton’s Diego Gómez later restored Paraguay’s advantage with a header in the 64th minute, capitalising on a rare lapse in Japan’s defensive organisation.

Despite the challenges, Moriyasu expressed satisfaction with his team’s spirit and attacking intent. “When you face a strong team that doesn’t let you shoot in the attacking third, it gives us confidence when the strikers we look to for goals manage to score,” the coach said.

Ueda, who leads the Dutch Eredivisie scoring charts with eight goals in as many games, credited his current form to consistent preparation and confidence. “I’m in good form but the things I have been building up are paying off,” the 27-year-old said. “I’m in a good situation.”

The result offered Japan a much-needed morale boost following a goalless draw with Mexico and a 2-0 defeat to the United States in their previous friendlies. “We went behind twice but the players clawed it back, and the feeling that they played with came across to the fans,” Moriyasu noted.

Japan now turn their focus to a high-profile home clash with Brazil in Tokyo on Tuesday, while Paraguay head to Seoul to face South Korea in another international friendly.