The leader of Group F Paraguay, will meet one of the teams sitting on the second place New Zealand.
I am saying one of the teams because both New Zealand and Italy are sitting on it with 2 points and goal difference of 2:2. If the ratio of points remains the same after tomorrow as well as the goal difference (something that has never ever happened before) the two teams will have to play a game between each other. If it still ends up draw, everything will be decided in penalties.
But of course this scenario is not very likely to happen this is why we will focus on the game itself.
Paraguay got to the first place, after tying the first game against Italy 1:1. Although they lead with 1:0, and played outstanding, they couldn’t keep the lead and got equalized at the very end of the game.
However against Slovakia, Paraguay was flawless and defeated them with 2:0, which sent them to the top spot.
Meanwhile New Zealand, the outsider of this group, is so far the success story as well. After being able to snatch the point from Slovakia in the 93rd minute, they were able to lead on the current World Cup Champion Italy, with 1:0 in the 7th minute, a goal scored by Shane Smeltz. However 20 minutes later Italy equalized with a goal by Vincenzo Iaquinta.
What can we expect from this game?
Bottom line here is that Paraguay must not loose in order to qualify and not care about the outcome of the other game. The team of New Zealand is the one that needs the win badly. However, Paraguay did show a very creative and effective style of play and I doubt they will just give up and wait for the game to end. I am expecting a battle in midfield with a lot of passes on the sides. The team that is able to control the middle will prevail in this game.
No one expected a lot from New Zealand, but since they have gotten that far, they have a chance to be really remembered in this World Cup.
The Betting Verdict?
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 (Bet365.com): I believe that Paraguay will not risk it all this game, and will play a bit more defensively that the previous two games. On the other hand New Zealand isn’t that great in offense yet they will need that goal for sure. Expecting a mixed up game in the mid field with not a lot of opportunities for a goal.
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