Japan and Paraguay draw 1-1 in Kirin Cup

TOKYO, May 17 (AFP)

Naoki Soma fired home an equalizer for Japan against fellow World Cup finalists Paraguay in the first match of the three-nation Kirin Cup on Sunday. Brazilian-born striker Wagner Lopes was brought down just outside the area 86th minute andh Soma hit a right foot shot from Shoji Jos free kick. Paraguay took the lead in the seventh minute with defender Celso Rafael Ayalas heading home from Roberto Miguel Acunas corner. On Thursday, Paraguay will play the Czech Republic in Kobe.