Paraguay bank on striking trio
Paraguay will look to a trio of sharpshooters to see them into the World Cup second round while New Zealand, surprise contenders for a place in the last 16, are hoping luck favours them at last.
The South Americans seemed the better team for much of their opening 1-1 draw with world champions Italy and easily beat Slovakia 2-0 to top Group F ahead of Thursday's match.
New Zealand, one of the lowest ranked sides in South Africa at 78th in the world and with no big name players, have confounded the pundits by holding Slovakia for their first ever World Cup point and then Italy by the same 1-1 scoreline.
As underdogs, the affable All Whites are fast becoming a favourite for neutrals across the world and should garner most cheers at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium.
But a win, or even another draw, may be a bridge too far.
Paraguay are expected to push for goals through Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios -- a striking trio that overpowered Slovakia.
Paraguay, who have four points ahead of Italy and New Zealand on two, need only draw to guarantee their progress but will be wary of the Kiwis' height and prowess at set pieces.
Paraguay's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino could slot the fit-again Santa Cruz in behind Barrios and Valdez -- a potent attack that would test a New Zealand back four that will again be led by the inspirational Ryan Nelsen.
The All Whites captain marshalled his troops admirably during an onslaught by Italy on Sunday, when goalkeeper Mark Paston and the wodowrk saw off 23 shots, seven on target.
In contrast, New Zealand managed just one shot on target -- Shane Smeltz's seventh minute goal -- and not one corner.
New Zealand, who will be unchanged, need a win to guarantee qualification but if Italy and Slovakia produce a stalemate the All Whites could go through with a higher scoring draw.
What they lack in experience and skill, the Kiwis make up for with spirit and self belief and, having already exceeded expectations, all the pressure will be on Paraguay.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Mark Paston was New Zealand's second choice goalkeeper until he saved a crucial penalty in their WC qualifying play-off against Bahrain in 2009.
Comments