Paraguay line-up: Villar, Morel, Caniza (c), J.Caceres, Cardozo (Barrios, 66'), Santa Cruz, Vera, Da Silva, V.Caceres, Riveros, Valdez (Benitez, 67')
New Zealand line-up: Paston, Lochhead, Reid, Vicelich, Nelsen (c), Elliot, Smeltz, Killen (Brockie, 79'), Bertos, Fallon (Wood, 69'), Smith
Paraguay win the group as New Zealand exit without losing a game, which has to be seen as great progress for the Oceania minnows. It wasn't a great game by any means as New Zealand played their naturally defensive game and Paraguay looked to be playing for that draw, most likely to avoid injuries or unnecessary suspensions. The best chances of the first half came from set pieces as both teams came close from free-kicks otherwise the game was just a midfield battle with the only notable shot from open play coming from Caniza.
A win for New Zealand would spell progress to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history and looked more positive in the second half. Elliot looked to put the Kiwis ahead just after half-time but almost had too much space to contemplate his shot which ended up going wide. The first corner of the match remarkably didn't arrive until the 62nd minute but Riveros was prevented from scoring by a good save from Paston. Paston did well to keep New Zealand level as Paraguay looked for that unlikely winner but he was definitely made to sweat in the final quarter as Paraguay went on the onslaught. But it still finished 0-0 giving Paraguay top spot and New Zealand a commendable unbeaten third place.
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