Paraguay exerted the absolute minimum of effort to go through into the World Cup Round of Sixteen by tying New Zealand Thursday. New Zealand tired hard but simply didn’t have enough to match Paraguay’s ability.
Paraguay came into the match leading Group F with four points, having a win and a draw on its record. New Zealand had tied two matches, leaving it third in the group, one point ahead of Slovakia.
New Zealand’s All Whites, which had never won World Cup match, made every effort, but couldn’t put together a serious challenge. Through the match they managed only four shots, none of which reached the Paraguayan goaltender.
Paraguay took twelve shots, five of which reached New Zealand keeper Mark Paston. Not to knock the All White attackers, but Poston did more to keep the side alive than all the rest of the players combined.
Paraguay’s attackers had opportunities they failed to convert; by not paying attention or not hustling, they let every chance slip by.
Every time New Zealand tried to press, the Paraguayan side would exert itself a bit more, just long enough to blunt the All-White attack, before slipping into lethargy.
Although New Zealand heads home still never having won a World Cup match, the side can be proud that they played hard and did their best. And the side finished third in Group F, ahead of 2006 World Cup champions, Italy.
Paraguay might feel embarrassed at its carefully calculated listlessness. When Paraguay faces the second-place Group E team on June 29, it will need to find some will to win.
Paraguayan midfielder Victor Cacares received a yellow card ten minutes into the match, his second of the round. He will be suspended for Paraguay’s next match.
