Gerardo Martino's side will certainly be remembered as one of the best defensively organised teams who showed, in all their games, an impressive team ethic and discipline.
A 1-1 draw with Italy was a solid start to the tournament and the 2-0 win over Slovakia effectively secured passage to the last 16 - a process confirmed by a dull but calculated goalless draw with New Zealand.
Facing a team that they should, given the pedigree of their players, have been confident of beating, Martino's men focused on frustrating Japan's midfield and the game ended a goalless stalemate.
"We gave our all, we had opportunities but unfortunately Spain scored and we didn't. We didn't have luck with us," Martino said.
Luck was one factor but Martino's reluctance to push players forward and really test the Spanish defence, the inherent cautiousness of Paraguay's approach, was also part of their undoing.
Martino's team have, however, established themselves among the South American elite, and in what has ultimately become a disappointing tournament for that region, Paraguay's resolute rearguard will stand them in good stead for next year's Copa America.
