Paraguay into last 16, Kiwis leave with pride

Paraguay 0
New Zealand 0

Paraguay reached the last 16 of the World Cup yesterday after a drab 0-0 draw with surprise packets New Zealand who exited the tournament with an unbeaten record.

The South Americans, who harbour dreams of at least a quarter-finals place, topped Group F with five points and were joined in the round of 16 by Slovakia, who stunned defending champions Italy 3-2 in Johannesburg.

It was a gallant exit by New Zealand, who finished unbeaten after three draws in a group where they were expected to be cannon fodder for the other three contenders but ended up finishing above the woeful Italians.

Paraguay made three changes from the team that outclassed Slovakia 2-0 in Bloemfontein four days earlier with defenders Denis Caniza and Julio Cesar Caceres and striker Oscar Cardozo coming in.

New Zealand stood by the team that started drawn matches against Slovakia and Italy with Mark Paston retained as goalkeeper although first-choice Glen Moss had completed a four-match suspension.

Victor Caceres was cautioned by the Japanese referee for fouling Rory Fallon during scrappy early exchanges with rival players constantly moaning about the behaviour of their markers.

Captain Caniza proved an adventurous defender, venturing forward twice to try his luck with shots that finished well off target, while a good Nelson Valdez run down the left flank was spoilt by a poor cross.

Spectators were hoping for a better second half and club-less Simon Elliott offered early promise by unleashing a drive from outside the penalty area that did not finish far off target.

Even a free-kick just outside the New Zealand penalty area as the game approached the hour mark, did not bring any excitement with Cardozo firing over.

It took 62 minutes to get a corner and Paraguay almost took the lead from it as Paston did well to parry a glancing Cristian Riveros header and the ball was cleared after a fierce goalmouth scramble.

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New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert was defiant and proud.

"I feel a little bit disappointed but I am very proud of what this team has achieved," said Herbert.

"We can be proud - nobody beat us. Whoever would have thought it?

"I am happy with what my players have achieved," added Herbert, who said he believed that virtually all of his squad would be in contention to appear in the finals in Brazil in four years time.

Paraguay counterpart Gerardo Martino said his side had been poor in the opening period and were not greatly improved after the restart.

"I'm pleased with the qualification - but not the way we played," said Martino, who slammed a toothless attack.

Striker Roque Santa Cruz admitted that "this was a game we hoped to win - but the important thing is we are through."

Paraguay
Villar, Caniza, J.C. Caceres, Da Silva, Morel, Riveros, V. Caceres, Vera, Santa Cruz, Valdez (Benitez 67), Cardozo (Barrios 66).

New Zealand
Paston, Reid, Nelsen, Smith, Bertos, Elliott, Vicelich, Lochhead, Killen (Brockie 79), Fallon (Wood 69), Smeltz.

Referee: Nishimura (Japan).

Yellow cards: V. Caceres; Santa Cruz; Nelsen.

Attendance: 34,850.