Paraguay to pin hopes on strike trio
Source: Agencies |
June 24, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PARAGUAY will look to a trio of sharpshooters to see it into the second round while New Zealand, surprise contenders for a place in the last 16, is hoping luck favors it at last.
The South Americans seemed the better team for much of their opening 1-1 draw with world champion Italy and easily beat Slovakia 2-0 to top Group F ahead of today's match.
New Zealand, one of the lowest ranked sides in South Africa at 78th and with no big name players, has confounded the pundits by holding Slovakia for its first ever World Cup point and then Italy by the same 1-1 scoreline.
As underdogs, the affable All Whites are fast becoming a favorite for neutrals across the world and should garner most cheers at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium. But a win, or even another draw, may be a bridge too far.
Paraguay is expected to push for goals through Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios - a striking trio that overpowered Slovakia.
"When we face New Zealand, we need to go out with the same attitude. Qualifying is down to us," said Paraguay defender Paulo Da Silva.
Paraguay needs only a draw to guarantee its progress but will be wary of the Kiwis' height and prowess at set pieces.
"New Zealand have shown in their two previous matches that they have an important physical strength and that they are good in the air," Da Silva said. "They are good on counter attacks and we have to keep doing what we did against Slovakia."
The South Americans seemed the better team for much of their opening 1-1 draw with world champion Italy and easily beat Slovakia 2-0 to top Group F ahead of today's match.
New Zealand, one of the lowest ranked sides in South Africa at 78th and with no big name players, has confounded the pundits by holding Slovakia for its first ever World Cup point and then Italy by the same 1-1 scoreline.
As underdogs, the affable All Whites are fast becoming a favorite for neutrals across the world and should garner most cheers at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium. But a win, or even another draw, may be a bridge too far.
Paraguay is expected to push for goals through Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios - a striking trio that overpowered Slovakia.
"When we face New Zealand, we need to go out with the same attitude. Qualifying is down to us," said Paraguay defender Paulo Da Silva.
Paraguay needs only a draw to guarantee its progress but will be wary of the Kiwis' height and prowess at set pieces.
"New Zealand have shown in their two previous matches that they have an important physical strength and that they are good in the air," Da Silva said. "They are good on counter attacks and we have to keep doing what we did against Slovakia."
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