Late Japan Penalty Denies Paraguay Group Win, Sets Up Round of 16 Clash with Mexico

Paraguay’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Albirroja, concluded their stellar Group F campaign at the Morocco 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Asian giants Japan on Saturday. The result, secured only by a dramatic last-gasp Japanese penalty, sees Paraguay finish second in the group, setting up a tantalizing Round of 16 encounter with Mexico this Wednesday.

Already guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage thanks to impressive victories over Zambia (2-1) and New Zealand (4-1), Albirroja coach Luiz Gimaraes took a cautious approach, resting star forward and Kopa Trophy nominee, Claudia Martínez Obando.

Despite the absence of their main attacking force, Paraguay played with confidence, matching the Asian powerhouse in intensity. The tactical setup ensured Japan was largely restricted, though the quick counter-attacks of the Japanese side found gaps in the Paraguayan defense on occasion.

The deadlock was finally broken in the second half. In the 62nd minute, Alison Bareiro unleashed a “brutal” strike that soared past the Japanese keeper, putting Paraguay ahead and electrifying the crowd at the Mohammed VI complex.

Goalkeeper Tamara Amarilla became the hero for Paraguay, fending off wave after wave of desperate Japanese attacks as the minutes ticked down. It appeared the Albirroja would claim the group’s top spot, but fate intervened in the dying seconds of stoppage time. A foul resulted in a penalty kick for Japan, which Noa Fukushima coolly converted in the 90’+5′ minute, leveling the score at 1-1.

The draw gives Japan the top spot in Group F on goal difference, leaving Paraguay in second. The Albirroja’s reward for their undefeated group run is a challenging fixture against Mexico in the Round of 16. The knockout match is scheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 PM (Paraguayan time). Paraguay will need to regroup quickly as they aim to continue what is already a historic run in the tournament.