Defending World Cup champion Italy was far from proving itself as a contender for a second straight title Monday.

The Italians, who came into the World Cup in South Africa with an aging squad and questions about whether they could again win consecutive tournaments as they did in 1934 and '38, were held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay in Group F in Cape Town.

Antolin Alcaraz gave Paraguay the lead with a header in the 39th minute and Daniele De Rossi equalized for Italy from close range in the 63rd.

"The biggest regret is the result," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "They only approached the goal once and they scored. We reacted well, but you've got to win games likes these."

In a Group E match, Keisuke Honda scored to lead Japan over Cameroon 1-0 in Bloemfontein. It was Japan's first victory at the World Cup on foreign soil.

That's football: Bad bounces plaguing goalkeepers? Try an NFL ball.

That's Mexico's solution for the unpredictable way the Jabulani ball has acted. At Monday's practice, goalkeeping coach Alberto Aguilar used NFL footballs in a drill to prepare his players.

Numerous players, especially keepers, have complained about the official World Cup ball, saying its flight is difficult to judge. None of the 32 teams has made an official complaint to FIFA.