New Zealand was picked by many to lose their matches in South Africa. Instead, the All Whites leave South Africa without losing, their 0-0 draw with Paraguay leaving them on three points and in Group F’s third place.
Paraguay’s point means they win Group F and await the second place finisher from Group E Monday in the Round of 16.
The match was one controlled by an unambitious Paraguay team, who limited the All Whites to no shots but recorded only four of their own. The group winners held 66 percent of possession and showed some desire at match’s end, when shots from Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz attempted to give the Paraguayans a late goal.
However, with Slovakia ahead for most of their match against Italy, Paraguay knew one point would win them Group F. At times, Paraguay seemed content to play other the match, showing patience with the ball deep in the New Zealand third.
The result means Paraguay moves into the knockout stage for the fourth consecutive finals, where they will likely face either Japan or Denmark.
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