Japan Salvage Draw with Paraguay as Ueda and Ogawa Shine; Brazil Crush South Korea in Friendly

Posted : 10 October 2025

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu hailed his attacking duo after Koki Ogawa and Ayase Ueda both found the net in a 2-2 friendly draw against Paraguay on Friday in Osaka. The result came as a boost for the World Cup-bound Samurai Blue, who twice came from behind to avoid defeat.

Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda secured the equalizer deep into stoppage time, heading home in the fourth minute of added time shortly after replacing Ogawa from the bench.

Earlier, NEC Nijmegen forward Koki Ogawa had levelled the match in the first half when his powerful shot was deflected into the net by Paraguay goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez. Moriyasu praised his strikers’ persistence against a resolute Paraguayan defense.

Ueda has been in blistering form for Feyenoord this season, topping the Dutch Eredivisie scoring charts with eight goals in eight appearances. Ogawa, meanwhile, has scored three times in seven matches for NEC Nijmegen.

Paraguay struck first through former Newcastle United forward Miguel Almirón midway through the opening half. Ogawa quickly equalized, but Brighton’s Diego Gomez restored Paraguay’s lead in the 64th minute with a header.

Japan refused to give up, and Ueda’s late goal ensured the hosts avoided a second straight defeat after their recent loss to the United States.

Despite missing key players such as Liverpool’s Wataru Endo and Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma through injury, Moriyasu said he was pleased with his side’s spirit.

Japan will next face Brazil in Tokyo on Tuesday, while Paraguay are set to meet South Korea in Seoul.

Elsewhere, Brazil delivered a commanding performance in Seoul, defeating South Korea 5-0 in another friendly. Eighteen-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao was the standout performer, scoring twice and underlining his growing reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents.

Captain Son Heung-min made his record-breaking 137th appearance for South Korea, but it was a tough night for the hosts. Brazil dominated from start to finish, with Estevao opening the scoring after just 13 minutes thanks to an assist from Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo doubled the lead before halftime and later added another in the second half.

Vinicius Junior also got on the scoresheet, rounding off a stylish display from Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who looked dangerous every time they attacked.

Japan Salvage Draw with Paraguay as Ueda and Ogawa Shine; Brazil Crush South Korea in Friendly

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