Paraguay cruise
Paraguay's attacking finesse proved too much for New Zealand as the World Cup quarterfinalists held off a second half challenge for a 2-0 victory in an international friendly Tuesday.
Paraguay showed superior finishing skills against the All Whites to ensure there was no repeat of the drab 0-0 draw when the two sides last met in the group stages of the World Cup in South Africa.
New Zealand, who finished with 10 men after defender Winston Reid was red-carded for an 89th minute challenge on Federico Santander, never looked like overturning the deficit after going two goals down in the first half hour.
The result gave the South Americans the only win of their Asian tour after 1-0 losses to Australia and Japan and a 1-1 draw with China.
The All Whites, missing skipper Ryan Nelsen and striker Shane Smeltz through injury, stood back early, wary of an opponent ranked 17th in the world.
Paraguay's Nelson Valdez, the record signing for La Liga side Hercules, attempted to take advantage with a number of long range shots but failed to trouble New Zealand keeper Mark Paston.
The striker finally put the South Americans ahead through a 22nd minute penalty, awarded after Edgar Benitez fell victim to a clumsy Ben Sigmund challenge.
Five minutes later, Paraguay midfielder Osvaldo Martinez found himself in the clear in the 27th minute, latching onto an Enrique Vera through ball and flicking it over Paston's head.
Paraguay asserted their dominance for the rest of the half as New Zealand's defence struggled without Nelsen's calming influence.
New Zealand came out firing after the break, creating a hatful of early chances, the best of which was a close range Jeremy Brockie volley cleared off the line by the feet of keeper Justo Villar.
But the All Whites could not take their chances and Paraguay were content to sit on their lead, soak up the pressure and attempt to hit New Zealand on the break.
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said the result was disappointing after the All Whites' surprise World Cup performance, where they finished as the only undefeated team, but saw encouraging signs for the Brazil 2014 campaign.
"The depth's growing, football's in great shape (in New Zealand) and it's great to be part of it," he said.
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