Match 42: Paraguay - New Zealand :: Post - Match Thread [R]

Paraguay played well in the 2nd half but NZ just refused to play at all.


Total shots on goal:

PAR 17-4 NZ

Shots on target:

PAR 5-0 NZ

 

NZ gone out undefeated

 

Paraguay, as always, is a team that does just enough to get what they need.

Since a tie was enough to top the group with Slovakia winning the other, well, that's what they did.

In their merit, NZ was completely nullified. 17 shots for Paraguay, 4 on goal, compared to 4 shots for the Kiwis, none on goal. And the South Americans had near 70% possession. Why win, if a tie is enough?

 

New Zealand, ya played like an MLS team--better than many teams in the tournament, and big improvement over 1982.

 

Who would have predicted the Kiwis finishing above Italy, and being undefeated no less. They really punched above their weight in this group, even if they were content to sit back and absorb pressure. I look forward to seeing them in Brazil.

 

All Whites have done our country proud just to get a point in the World Cup.

But they've exceeded everyone's expectations even people from other countries since they have bowed out of the World Cup undefeated.

Let's hope that the team that got us out of the World Cup will go far - Good luck Paraguay

 

Hats off to New Zealand. They can go home with their heads unbowed. If I were a Kiwi, I would be setting up a jubilant event for the return of the team.

 

Congratulations New Zealand!!!

 

No kidding. One goal against Paraguay, and they would have won the group!

 

Considering that they had zero shots on goal (and three shots on goal for the entire tournament, I believe), I think that outcome was pretty unlikely.

 

Much credit to the Kiwis. Considering many had them pegged to get 0 points and last place, they've massively beaten expectations.

Paraguay are getting to be like Mexico... you just know that they're going to get out of whatever group you stick them in.

 

Well, if the Swiss go out, with Italy, NZ and France out, Paraguay will be the team with the strongest defending mentality left.

 

New Zealand did well. Ahead of Italy in the group.

 

The defense is good, it's very good but Julio Caceres is past his prime and Denis Caniza needs to retire. Luckily they are not starters and should not have started today.

I'm glad Alcaraz is recovering well, he should be in form for the next round.

 

The "Kiwis" finishing this group unbeaten & ahead of the world champ, is as much sensational as Italy's group-stage exit! A big KUDOS!!

 

I just realized... if Slovakia hadn't scored that 89th minute winner, New Zealand would have advanced! Correct me if I'm wrong...?

Edit: I'm wrong. Italy would have advanced on goals scored.

 

The way the last 10 minutes have been going, that tactic could cost them.

btw 4th Official Coulibaly turned in a flawless performance of holding up the substitution sign.

 

Great World Cup, New Zealand. 3 draws and 0 losses with only 2 goals conceded and both were poor ref decisions.

You can go home with your heads held high.

 

Great draw my friends....

Don`t get me wrong, I never thought you were going to be able to get at least a 2 - 0 defeat, and this result really surprises me about what you were capable to do.

At the end you achieved 3 draws in this group and remained unbeaten, its an extraordinary result too. More if you consider that almost every body considered you as the weakest team of this cup before it was played. You sure taught us all a good lesson at it.