World Cup Group F preview: Paraguay v New Zealand
Both Winston Reid and Shane Smeltz have cemented their names in not only New Zealand folklore, but also the World Cup’s after a goal apiece in the All Whites’ first two Group F matches.
But, for those who dare to dream, if the most spectacular result was to occur in Polokwane with New Zealand beating Paraguay, the scorer of the winning goal will achieve legendary status.
Following two draws against Slovakia and then, incredibly, world champions Italy, Ricki Herbert’s side have their fate in their own hands.
However, in order to advance to the second round for the first time in their history, it’s almost certain that they’ll need to beat the Paraguayans on Thursday. And with the South Americans currently on top of the table, it threatens to be a difficult afternoon for the All Whites.
They’ll be more than up for the challenge, though. If they draw and subsequently record the same result as the Italians, who face bottom side Slovakia in Johannesburg, then their fate will be decided on the drawing of lots. It might sound improbable, but it’s possible, and New Zealand will take anything available to them.
The All Whites may well have entered the 2010 World Cup as the rank outsiders alongside North Korea, but they’ll end it having given a tremendous account of themselves – even if they exit the competition after this match.
Paraguay will have taken note of the opponents’ first two matches, and will not be prepared to take them lightly. If they do, then they could well find themselves packing their suitcases and booking the first flight out of South Africa to Asuncion come Thursday evening.
Of course, on paper, Gerardo Martino’s side have enough quality throughout the squad to win this final group match comfortably. But Italy are proof that having a stronger team guarantees little in this most unpredictable of World Cups.
Also, the admirable way in which New Zealand have equipped themselves over the course of this summer’s tournament suggests that it’s far from a foregone conclusion. Having scored two goals from only three shots on target the All Whites have proven that when presented with a rare opportunity to score, one of their attackers will invariably test the keeper; while at the back, Ryan Nelson and co have been inspirational.
The gulf in class between New Zealand and Italy in the previous Group F match could hardly have been more vast. The goalscorer, Smeltz, was once plying his trade for AFC Wimbledon in England’s non-league Conference and Herbert even threw on semi-professional Andrew Barron in the closing stages of the match – a man who only finds himself in South Africa because the Wellington bank he works for were generous enough to grant him leave for two months.
Compare this to Italy, with Marcello Lippi in charge and an array of multi-million pound stars at his disposal, and it’s not difficult to see why their 1-1 draw was regarded as a humiliation back in Rome.
Paraguay will be desperate to avoid a similar embarrassment at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Should they beat New Zealand, then a last 16 tie against either Japan or Cameroon will beckon. They will then just be one match away from reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Wasting such a glorious opportunity to reach the latter stages is now inconceivable for the millions watching back in Paraguay.
Like most of the South American nations, the Paraguayans have impressed in the group stages with an exciting brand of direct football full of flair and imagination. A 1-1 draw against Italy in the opener was then followed with a 2-0 victory over Slovakia; and should they beat the All Whites then they’ll have fully warranted their last 16 berth.
This final match is still a big test for them. Keeping their composure, putting in another confidence-boosting performance and sealing their place at the top of the group will then generate a feeling of mission accomplished.
Meanwhile, the All Whites will bow out of their second World Cup with their heads held high regardless of whether they win, lose or draw. But as they’re now closer to the last 16 than they could have dared to imagine, they’ll arrive in Polokwane this Thursday gunning for all three points.
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