Beating Paraguay

The last two times NZ have played Latin American opposition they have struggled, losing to both Mexico and Chile 2-0 in the last five months.

So, why can New Zealand beat Paraguay at the World Cup?

1. Ryan Nelsen. The http://www.goal.com/ world player of the week is in the form of his life locking down the All White central defence. New Zealand have been very tough to break down at this tournament.

2. Team belief. This All White squad has a quiet, relaxed confidence about them. The team have nothing to lose and they believe they can do it.

3. NZ will score. NZ have scored in each of their last 5 games (Australia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Italy) when starting with their best team. Chile (0-2) was the exception however NZ played with a weaker lineup than they will against Paraguay.

4. Contracts. A number of the NZ players are chasing player contracts for the upcoming club season. This desperation will drive players to produce a winning performance for the All Whites.

5. The Far Post Ball (FPB). The perfect weapon for the tall Kiwi strikeforce against a team which has played passing opposition in its last 2 games.

Nothing motivates players and a team like being told that it cannot be done.