A goalless draw with New Zealand was enough to seal Paraguay's path to the round of 16; but while they undoubtedly showed the most endeavour, Gerardo Martino's side never really got going.
A goalless draw with New Zealand was enough to seal Paraguay's path to the round of 16; but while they undoubtedly showed the most endeavour, Gerardo Martino's side never really got going.
It was all a bit flat from the South Americans while Kiwis coach Ricki Herbert was clearly happy for his side to go as long as they can without conceding before taking stock of events elsewhere in the closing moments.
Paraguay knew that a result over the World Cup's surprise package New Zealand would secure their position as group winners, and the draw means they avoid the prospect of facing the Netherlands in the second round.
Martino went with three out-and-out strikers in his side's victory over Slovakia following criticism that he was too conservative in their opener with Italy.u00a0 Butu00a0 Paraguay struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages.
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