Paraguay, New Zealand tied at 0-0 after 15 minutes of final World Cup Group F match

Paraguay, New Zealand tied at 0-0 after 15 minutes

POLOKWANE, South Africa — Paraguay dominated early possession but was held to a 0-0 tie by New Zealand after the opening 15 minutes of their final Group F game at the World Cup.

The only shot on goal came from New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz, who dribbled from the left wing before shooting wide in the 4th minute.

Paraguay leads the group and only needs a draw to advance to the last 16, while New Zealand must win to guarantee its first-ever spot in the World Cup knockout stages.

The Peter Mokaba Stadium was three-quarter full at kickoff.