FIFA World Cup 2010 – Paraguay vs. New Zealand – Impressive South Americans with only one hurdle to cross.
The South American team, Paraguay, has not failed to impress in any of the matches it has played. The team came head-to-head with defending champions Italy in their first match. Paraguay gave a dazzling performance by controlling and holding major possession of the ball but Italy, being famous for its defence, held them well and did not let them score a goal at first. Later, Paraguay did eventually find the net but the Italians were not too weak to bring down as they swooped themselves a goal and both the teams got a point each.
The Paraguayans got an entire week to practice for their next big group match against Slovakia, who, out of all the teams were the least impressive in Group F. Paraguay got themselves an easy win with two goals to spare, winning with two goals to nil.
Paraguay’s number 13, Enrique Vera, has been giving an impressive performance. With an amazing goal against Slovakia, he has been a great threat for the defence lines of other teams. Moreover, Cristian Riveros along with Manchester City star Santa Cruz is becoming a threat as well, with their capability to pass the ball inside the box perfectly.
The New Zealanders on the contrary have shocked the world by drawing against World Champions Italy. The final score line against Italy was 1-1 which proves that New Zealand are no push overs. This means that they actually crossed the defensive walls of Italy and scored a goal. Italy, on the other hand won a penalty to equalize against the least favourites of South Africa 2010. Being the least favourites for this group, and not even being considered as “good opponents” by the Italian coach, the New Zealanders have been great at defence and pretty good at counter attacks. Famously known as the ‘All Whites’, the men from New Zealand have scored in all their matches in South Africa.
Throughout the African journey, South American sides impressed anyone and everyone. In group A, the Mexicans and Uruguayans qualified and both are from South America. In group B, we cannot forget Argentineans who are still unbeaten with 9 points on the board for them. In group G, the Brazilians, who are also the World Cup favourites, are expected to lift the trophy. Group H also holds Chile, who is still unbeaten even though they have the European Champions, Spain, alongside them in the same group.
The South American teams have been playing at their best and the South African climate and the Jabulani ball is suiting their style of play. Right now, many of the South American teams have already qualified. However, one is unsure about an upset but the odds today go to the Paraguayan side largely due to their ability to attack the ball and how they control it.
Today’s match is going to affect the entire group. Due to this fact, the entire group is still open. There is still a chance for the Slovakians to come on top, even though they only have a single point. All the four teams are hoping to qualify for the next round. Although, Italy has not been as impressive as the side they possess, but being the defending champions that they are, if Paraguay pulls off a miracle today and wins or even draws against Italy; Italy might have to leave South Africa after the first stage of the World Cup. Thus, causing another upset of this world cup.
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