Paraguay are two points clear at the top of Group F heading into the final round of pool fixtures after drawing with reigning world champions Italy and beating Slovakia in their opening two games.
Having got what, on paper, looked to be their two toughest fixtures out of the way, Paraguay are now firm favourites to seal a place in the knockout stages when they face rank outsiders New Zealand in Polokwane today.
However, with the Antipodean side having held both Slovakia and Italy to 1-1 draws in their first two matches, Paraguay know they cannot afford to take Ricki Herbert’s men lightly.
“We’re happy but we still haven’t taken the most important step, which is to get through the next phase. That’s what we’re looking for,” says Bonet, whose side will meet either the Netherlands, Denmark or Japan in the last 16 if they get through.
“There are still no calculations being made (about possible opponents in the next round). We need to play the game first, we have 90 minutes left in front of us.
“The plan is to finish first of course, we have the chance and we need to try and make sure we don’t miss out on a great opportunity to wrap up the group. Afterwards we’ll see who we get.
“New Zealand are a difficult opponent, like all the teams. Nobody gifts you anything in these types of competitions and they’ve done a great job. No one should undervalue what New Zealand have done.
“But we are more concerned about what we can do and showing what Paraguay are capable of.”
Story and photo courtesy of www.fifa.com