New Zealand vs Paraguay: Who will Win?

New Zealand and Paraguay take on each other today (24 June) in Polokwane with both sides looking to confirm their qualification to the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA World Cp 2010 by winning this match. In Group F, Paraguay now leads the point table with 4 points, while New Zealand takes the third place with 2 points. In another match, Italy would play against Slovakia today.

Given the recent form and squad strength of the two sides, Paraguay has better chance in the match. Paraguay drew with Italy 1-1 in the first match before defeating Slovakia in the second. However, New Zealand would be very strong mentally following their 1-1 draw with defending champion Italy.

Paraguay played very well in the first two matches and they would like to continue the momentum. Knowing that they need just a point from the match to ensure their progress to the next round, Paraguay would most probably play it safe concentrating more on the defense. They have some top class players in Roque Santa Cruz, Óscar Cardozo, Lucas Barrios, Enrique Vera, Cristian Riveros and Julio César Cáceres.

A victory over Paraguay would ensure New Zealand’s place in the knock out stage, while a draw would leave them hoping that the other match between Slovakia and Italy end up in a draw.

New Zealand has very good attacking line up in the presence of Chris Killen, Rory Fallon and Shane Smeltz. So, Paraguay defense would have to be solid to cope up with the All Whites threat. New Zealand would also look for a special performance from captain Ryan Nelsen and vice captain Tim Brown.