2010 FIFA World Cup: Paraguay Unimpressive in Final Group Match

New Zealand has managed to maintain its unbeaten record in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, thanks in large part to the continuing inaccuracy of Paraguay.

Out of the 17 shots made by Paraguay, only five were on target, which simply is not good enough for a team playing at this level.  It is a problem that the Paraguayan coach, Gerardo Martino, will need to address before the team heads into its next match, or it will be their last.

Paraguay did play a better game than New Zealand. That much is beyond question, but in the end, it wasn't good enough.

For the New Zealand team, it was a bittersweet result.  They can be proud of the fact that they haven't lost a match in the tournament, but as stated previously, a 0-0 draw was not sufficient to keep them in the tournament.

New Zealand needed to score at least one goal in this match to stay in contention, something that seems to not have occurred to them.  We did not see the same sort of game from them that they played against Slovakia, and that was very disappointing.

It turned what could have been an exciting contest into a yawn-fest.  Good for you, New Zealand, for going the distance!  But also shame on you for not playing with all your heart.

As for Paraguay, they didn't really need to win this match, but they at least made more of an attempt.

I feel that their inaccuracy is a serious problem for them and that they are now on borrowed time, but their chances depend (at least a while) on who their opponent will be.  Finishing at the top of Group F by a point, Paraguay will now face the runner-up from Group E.