vs. This is the pre-match thread. Please discuss the forthcoming event in this thread. The other mods and I will edit this post/thread and as more match details are revealed. Also let's remember that threads close at #500 posts. Date and Time: June 24, 2010 16:00 (UTC +2) Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
This match-up you heard it here first, I am calling for Paraguay to beat New Zealand like 2-0, but this match-up does not even appeal to me much less giving me a reason to even care, so I see it as Paraguay just beating New Zealand and nothing more
Now especially now that the Kiwis are now on everyone's radar after drawing with Slovakia and drawing with the Italians, the Kiwis I could very well see them even beating Paraguay seeing as how they handled themselves well against Italy 1-1 almost to the point where the Kiwis could have won the game with a few scoring chances, and the Kiwis tying Slovakia last second man, New Zealand are a surprise package, New Zealand will win this match 2-1
Hmmm this is the thing, its always a MASSIVE benefit going into a match as the underdogs, NZ have played well enough to diminish this a lot but still be one the tournaments darlings now, that must be hard. THIS is the match they will have to really watch things with. Paraguay are no easy team. They also know they have to win as well. Will be very interesting to watch. New Zealand need to score as early as possible.
If Paraguay keep the ball on the ground and play the same formation as against Slovakia they should(nothing is a certainty) come away with the 3 points and first place
I say this game actually ends 0-0, and Italy moves on because they'll tie Slovakia 1-1 and have more goals for than New Zealand
The factors in this game are, 1. NZ can't really afford a tie so they will have to come out. 2. Paraguay's defense, which is very strong kept Italy and Slovakia on check and should be able to hold out NZ as their attack line aren't as strong as the other 2 teams. (Smeltz is very good though) 3. Paraguay has seen NZ is not the pushover everyone thought they would be so they will not take them lightly.
I agree with all 3 points but I just can't help but think Paraguay will play safely for the draw, lots of defense, and rest the star offensive guys later in the game by replacing them with more defenders. And hey lets if both games end in a 0-0 draw then there will be a coin flip for second place. I think that's better than anything NZL could have ever asked for.
WhAt!?? Anything better NZ could ask for!?? How about a win! NZ's players can hold their own thanks, its been proven.
NZ has no retention in midfield so its going to be just bombing the ball foward and handing the ball back to Paraguay, who can hurt the defence running at them the way Slovakia did in the second half(Weiss had a field day) if NZ sneak in a goal they will adopt their siege tactic and ocasionally bomb a pass foward so Paraguay is going to be in control of the game, lets see if they can put the game away which is something the two european teams failed to do wont be a pretty game but it will be interesting
they can hold their own defensively but they haven't showed they can go out there and take the game to the opposition this game is different to the past two because now they need a win(to make sure they go through), in the past two games they seemed to play for a draw and were happy to get it(understandably so) but now its a different ball game the question is can NZ take the game to Paraguay or are they gonna sit back and try to sneak one in
I'm looking forward to Thursday. If New Zealand can somehow draw (or for a better chance beat) Paraguay they have a chance of advancing. Which is such a ridiculous concept, especially in that group.
Don't take this the wrong way but, Your location is New Zealand I see, I can only guess you're a kiwi (??) If so wheres yor national pride ffs? And I don't care if you're a mod, remove you're location then cause people in NZ don't need you're type of black mood mate. Be positive for once. Cheers.