The Samurai Blue and the Navigators endured an end to their World Cup campaign but will always be heroes in the hearts of their fans.
By Claudia Wong
Goalkeeper:
Eiji Kawashima (Country: Japan, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
Brilliant performance throughout the match, he commanded his backline well, going in at the right moment to block out shots and save with his hands and feet for a whole 120 minutes. Dived the right way for the first two penalties but was unable to do Yuichi Komano a favour by saving any.
Defence:
Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Country: Japan, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
His heading ability was superb and defensively he was a brick wall to contend with. Soldiered on despite a painful clash with his keeper, Tulio showed indomitable spirit throughout.
Yuji Nakazawa (Country: Japan, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
He proved that his side were no pushovers with his tough defending. Sharp, alert and quick to the ball at all times, he prevented the Paraguayans from making any inroads.
Carlos Puyol (Country: Spain, Match: Spain 1-0 Portugal)
The Spanish captain used his guile to shield the ball and anticipated attacks well.
Antolín Alcaraz (Country: Paraguay, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
The 27-year-old centre back put up a resilient performance at the heart of his defence and will hope to continue his sterling form at Wigan Atheletic next season.
Midfield:
Cristian Riveros (Country: Paraguay, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
A key player in the Paraguayan midfield, Riveros nearly nodded home a goal in the second half to give his side the lead. An astute pass to Lucas Barrios went to waste too.
Néstor Ortigoza (Country: Paraguay, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
The 25-year-old used his height and size to his advantage and was a tough and tidy tackler.
Andres Iniesta(Country: Spain, Match: Spain 1-0 Portugal)
A competent midfielder with his fitness back on track, Iniesta turned into unimaginable spaces for quick-fire passing and was crucial in the making of David Villa's goal.
Xavi (Country: Spain, Match: Spain 1-0 Portugal)
Xavi had a sluggish start to his game but formed a lethal partnership with Iniesta later on.
Forward:
David Villa (Country: Spain, Match: Spain 1-0 Portugal)
Villa's name is now synonymous with goals. He terrified the Portugal defence with his rollicking runs into shooting positions. It is four goals and counting for Villa!
Keisuke Honda (Country: Japan, Match: Japan 0-0 Paraguay, 5-3 pens)
Japan's young star was marked tight by his opponents but he still managed to worm his way through their defence. Good runs and deliveries peppered his display. Coolly slotted in his penalty for his last touch of Japan's 2010 World Cup campaign.
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