Sports
Paraguay are expected to push for goals through Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Lucas Barrios - a striking trio that overpowered Slovakia.
Updated : Sep 28, 2017, 08:52 PM IST
The South Americans seemed the better team for much of their opening 1-1 draw with world champions
As underdogs, the affable All Whites are fast becoming a favourite for neutrals across the world and should garner most cheers at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Their fans at home have been glued to screens watching an unheralded squad surprise the world, leading to an explosion of interest in soccer in a rugby-mad land.
But a win, or even another draw, may be a bridge too far.
"When we face
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"They are good on counter attacks and we have to keep doing what we did against
Paraguay's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino could slot the fit-again Santa Cruz in behind Barrios and Valdez - a potent attack that would test a New Zealand back four that will again be led by the inspirational Ryan Nelsen.
The All Whites captain marshalled his troops admirably during an onslaught by
In contrast, New Zealand managed just one shot on target - Shane Smeltz's seventh minute goal - and not one corner.
What they lack in experience and skill, the Kiwis make up for with spirit and self belief and, having already exceeded expectations, all the pressure will be on
"We're going to have to work as hard as we did (against Italy) and maybe even a bit more but it's not beyond us," forward Chris Killen said.
"We've got enough heart to go out and do it again."
New Zealand have astounded fans across the world with a show of gritty determination but Killen asked for a bit of luck, too, bemoaning a debatable penalty for Italy that saw the champions equalise and a hint of offside in Slovakia's goal.
"A few results have gone against us but hopefully against