Paraguay, New Zealand tied at 0-0 after 30 minutes of final World Cup Group F match

Paraguay, New Zealand tied 0-0 after 30 minutes

POLOKWANE, South Africa — Paraguay and New Zealand were tied at 0-0 after the first 30 minutes of their last Group F game at the World Cup.

Paraguay dominated early possession but failed to create danger against the fierce New Zealand defense.

The first real scoring chance came from New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz, who moved in from the left wing before shooting wide in the 4th.

Paraguay defender Denis Canize saw his powerful 20-yard attempt off a rebound just miss the target after 18 minutes.

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

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