Paraguay midfielder Oscar Romero scored the opening goal in the 32nd minute before Japan equalized in the 51st minute and then made it to 2-1 in the 63rd minute courtesy of midfielder Takashi Inui's brace.

Paraguay striker Federico Santander netted an own goal in the 77th minute. Richard Ortiz gave Paraguay a glimmer of hope by scoring with seconds to go, but Japan's Shinji Kagawa struck in stoppage time to complete the 4-2 scoreline.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place in Russia between June 14 and July 15. Japan will face Colombia, Poland and Senegal in Group H. Paraguay did not qualify for the tournament.