New Zealand vs Paraguay: As it happened

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By Tony Tannous, 24 Jun 2010 Tony Tannous is a Roar Expert

Tagged:: 2010 World Cup, all whites vs Paraguay, football, Italy, new zealand all whites, Slovakia, World Cup

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Following the Socceroos’ spirited but ultimately futile victory against Serbia this morning, attention turns to the New Zealand All Whites as they try to uphold antipodean pride tonight when they battle for what would be a remarkable spot in the Round of 16.

But it won’t be an easy task for the All Whites, who face impressive group leader Paraguay, while Italy – equal on points and goal difference with New Zealand – face bottom of the group Slovakia.

Like the Socceroos’ Group D heading into this morning thrilling climax, all four teams in New Zealand’s Group F are still in with a chance of progressing, even the hitherto disappointing Slovaks, so expect more twists and turns.

To go through, the All Whites must match or better whatever the Italians do, with a draw possibly enough if the Italians are kept to a low-score by Slovakia. A win, and Ricki Herbert’s men can even top the group.

But the All Whites must first avoid defeat. Their aerial threat, physical presence, organisation and discipline has held them in good stead against more fancied opponents, first with their last gasp equaliser against Slovakia and their remarkable draw with defending champions Italy.

Confidence is justifiably high in the All Whites camp.

Can the fairytale story of the 2010 World Cup continue?

I’ll have all the running analysis and permutations LIVE here, in the comments section below, so join me from 11:45pm (EST) and be sure to share your thoughts before, during and after the game.

Follow Tony on Twitter @TonyTannousTRBA

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The Crowd Says (84) | Page 1 of Comments

AA said | June 24th 2010 @ 1:16pm | Report comment

Just found on SBS forum, NZF does not Australia as a rival anymore. Cam I have all those that bagged me stand and talk please, your time is up.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/world-cup-2010/kiwis-kill-off-big-brother-complex/story-fn4l4sfy-1225883448897

NEW Zealand soccer chiefs used to doff their caps to the big brother across the Tasman – not any more.

Inspired by the All Whites’ feats at the World Cup, where they stand on the threshold of qualifying for the second phase, New Zealand Football boss Frank van Hattum no longer deems the Socceroos serious rivals.

They have moved beyond the shadow of the Socceroos with van Hattum saying after the shackling of the Azzurri: “It’s not Australia we gauge ourselves against. We don’t obsess about beating Australia, we obsess about bettering ourselves.

“We don’t see Australia as rivals. These days we worry about ourselves first and right now we’re doing pretty well.”

Reply
- Socboy said | June 24th 2010 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
  
  Not sure what you are getting at here AA, another futile attempt by you to start some Kiwi bashing
  
  Reply
  - AA said | June 24th 2010 @ 2:05pm | Report comment
    
    No it’s not. But my arguments about allowing NZ to develop its own “football culture” and systems are starting to pay dividends. I got laughed at on here for it, but hey, the Chairman is talking, not keyboard warriors.
    
    Reply
    - katzilla said | June 24th 2010 @ 3:53pm | Report comment
      
      Its taken out of context (not that the media ever do that), hes simply making the point that NZ must stop focussing on bettering Australia in Football and start to look at how NZ football can grow.
      Your right in a way, with this jaunt in the world cup football will probably see some growth in NZ and NZ can then make a larger contribution to Australasian football on the whole (more teams in the A League which in turn = greater growth for Australias domestic product)
      I don’t think NZ will be leaving the A League though as you’ve previously baracked for, I don’t think FFA will be wanting that now especially after the performances of some of their players on the world stage.
      
      Reply
DaMan3000 said | June 24th 2010 @ 1:38pm | Report comment

Surely it will all come to an end! But then again they have been written off every other game so why not this one too?

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Dave said | June 24th 2010 @ 2:50pm | Report comment

Go Kiwis

None of the fluffy stuff that you hear from the Socceroos fans like “We’re so proud of our heros but we just didn’t get a fair go”

Just good, honest football from the Kiwis, keep it up fellas

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Brett McKay said | June 24th 2010 @ 4:01pm | Report comment

Tony, just wondering how you’re getting on as a nocturnal type now – taking your coffee intravenously yet??

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- Tony Tannous said | June 24th 2010 @ 8:09pm | Report comment
  
  Haha, why didn’t I think of that option Brett, great idea….where can I get the drip?
  
  To be serious, I’ve been burning the midnight oil doing World Cups, Euros etc for a couple of decades now, but given 2002 was in our time zone and I was in Germany four years ago, it’s been 12 years since the all nighters of France ’98. Doesn’t get easier, that’s for sure.
  
  No IQ of HDD back then, just VHS…But one thing never changes – the want for that first “rest day” in the schedule…only six more nights
  
  Reply
Republican said | June 24th 2010 @ 4:07pm | Report comment

Yet they continue to rely on Oz soccer, do they not?

I would like to see them form their own domestic League, putting their money where their mouth is.

Now that would make for a nice change.

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- DaMan3000 said | June 24th 2010 @ 5:11pm | Report comment
  
  Putting our money where our mouths are? We only have $5!!! and there definitely won’t be any change out of it!!!
  
  Republican, why does it come across that you are disgusted with the ‘Nix being included in the HAL? Am I missing something?
  
  Reply
Mega said | June 24th 2010 @ 9:23pm | Report comment

If they get through it’ll be the most incredible surprise in WC history – no question.

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Mega said | June 24th 2010 @ 9:29pm | Report comment

Tony, what’s the exact scenario for the All Whites to make it through?

What if Italy and NZ stay on the same points and same goal difference – as they are now. Who goes through?

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- Tony Tannous said | June 24th 2010 @ 10:04pm | Report comment
  
  Mega, I mentioned it in my Roos v Serbia LIVE analysis piece, but basically if all the other criteria are exhausted, it’ll be a drawing of lots.
  
  This would happen if both the Group F games are drawn by the same score…
  
  http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/21/2933107.htm
  
  Reply
  - Mega said | June 24th 2010 @ 10:18pm | Report comment
    
    That’s a joke. Should be the team who scored first in the draw..or in the tournament. Reward attacking teams.
    
    Reply
  - dasilva said | June 24th 2010 @ 10:22pm | Report comment
    
    What happen to disciplinary record to encourage fair play.
    
    I remember in previous world cup or WCQ that amount of yellow and red cards were given were part of tie-breaker criteria.
    
    WHy did they get rid of it. It’s certainly better then drawing lots
    
    Reply
Tony Tannous said | June 24th 2010 @ 11:23pm | Report comment

11.35pm; Good evening (good morning and good luck to those joining from New Zealand) and welcome to this LIVE running analysis of the Group F decider between the New Zealand All Whites and Paraguay being played in Polokwane.

Quite remarkably, the Kiwis, on two points after two trilling draws, go into it with a chance not only to get through to the final 16, but to top that group. If they haven’t already, that would really turn the football world on its head.

Paraguay, on four points, have been really impressive however, combining their traditional solid defence with arguably their best ever front third.

If the Kiwis can get anything, and get through, it would turn a great World Cup into perhaps the nation’s greatest ever sporting achievement, if it isn’t already.

Of course, much will be contingent on the other group match between Italy and Slovakia, being played at Ellis Park Johannesburg.

Both managers here have spoken in the build up about the physicality of their opponents, so expect a fairly robust encounter.

Ricki Herbert, quite remarkably at this level, names the same 11 for the third game running, meaning Tim Brown remains on the bench. Meanwhile, after a man of the match effort against Italy, Mark Paston retains his spot despite Glen Moss being available after his two match suspension.

For Paraguay, Gerardo Martino has made three changes, with veteran Denis Caniza in for Antolin Alcaraz, Julio Cesar Caceres in for Carlos Bonet and Oscar Cardozo in for Lucas Barrios.

The teams are;

NEW ZEALAND – Mark Paston; Winston Reid, Ryan Nelsen, Tommy Smith; Leo Bertos, Simon Elliott, Ivan Vicelich, Tony Lochhead; Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon, Chris Killen.

PARAGUAY – Justo Villar; Denis Caniza, Julio Cesar Caceres, Paulo Da Silva, Claudio Morel; Victor Caceres, Enrique Vera, Cristian Riveros; Oscar Cardozo, Roque Santa Cruz, Nelsen Valdez.

Back shortly with the LIVE analysis and all the drama.

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Tony Tannous said | June 24th 2010 @ 11:33pm | Report comment

11.45pm; So far Paraguay have three goals from their two games, with one from a central defender (Alcaraz) and two from central midfield against Slovakia (Vera and Riveros). Naturally, New Zealand have to be wary of the threat from behind.

While strikers Barrios, Valdez and Santa Cruz have yet to score, thye pack a real threat, and Cardozo coming in for Barrios highlights the depth at Martino’s disposal.

At 192cm, Cardozo’s entry is a sign that Paraguay ar expecting a physical, aerial battle.

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Tony Tannous said | June 24th 2010 @ 11:38pm | Report comment

11.50pm; Interesting to note two changes at Ellis Park for Italy, with Gennaro Gattuso coming into the midfield for Claudio Marchisio and Antoni Di Natale in for Alberto Gilardino. Gattuso provides experience and plenty of grunt (tempo), while Gilardino has been very disappointing so far. The Udinese combo of Pepe, Di Natale and Iaquinta are re-united.

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