New Zealand drew 1-1 with fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Honduras in the first part of their World Cup homecoming on Saturday, although they created enough chances in an entertaining and attacking performance to win the match.
Ranked 17th in the world, Paraguay are among the highest-ranked teams to visit New Zealand since FIFA began publishing ratings, and Elliott is relishing the chance to celebrate New Zealand’s unbeaten campaign with a rematch against a World Cup opponent.
“It’s always nice playing good teams,” he says. “This is the highest-ranked team I think we’ve ever had down here, so it’s fantastic to get a team of this quality to New Zealand.”
Elliott says Paraguay have strength at both ends of the park, not surprising for a team that reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, exiting only at the hands of eventual champions Spain.
“I thought they were among the best defensively organised teams in the World Cup and they have always got that South American flair and technical expertise. That combination can be devastating and they came very close to going all the way.
“It’s a big challenge for us but we’re delighted to have them here and are looking forward to a good one.”
After a less-than-friendly encounter against Australia in Sydney, and a less-than-ideal 1-0 defeat, Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar says he expects coach Gerardo Martino to give other players the chance to impress.
“The games against Australia and New Zealand are important for our preparation and there will be a few changes as we want to do a better job,” Villar says.
He admits that their own World Cup run has raised expectations of Paraguay fans and that, despite the 3.30am kick-off, fans would be glued to their TV sets back home.
“The expectation from Paraguay fans is always for the team to win and even more now after the World Cup so there is a lot of responsibility on the players, and many fans will be watching us despite the time difference.”
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert is waiting on the fitness of three players before naming his starting eleven, although he has hinted he will start as many of the World Cup line-up as possible.
“Given the support from the Wellington public at the Bahrain game and past that, in my heart I’d like the guys that played an integral part in that to be on the pitch, at least at the start,” Herbert says.
Ryan Nelsen was substituted late in the match against Honduras with a sore ankle, Shane Smeltz has been nursing a tight hamstring and Chris Killen a tight calf muscle.
Rory Fallon will also be assessed to see whether he is fit enough to come off the bench.
New Zealand v Paraguay
October 12, 2010
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kickoff 7.30
Tickets from www.ticketek.co.nz
New Zealand (from): 1-Mark PASTON (GK), 2-Ben SIGMUND, 4-Winston REID, 5-Ivan VICELICH, 6-Ryan NELSEN (captain), 7 Simon ELLIOTT, 8-Tim BROWN, 9-Shane SMELTZ, 10-Chris KILLEN, 11-Leo BERTOS, 12-Glen MOSS (RGK), 14-Rory FALLON, 15-Michael MCGLINCHEY, 16-Aaron CLAPHAM, 17-David MULLIGAN, 18-Andrew BOYENS, 20-Chris WOOD, 21-Jeremy CHRISTIE, 22-Jeremy BROCKIE.
Coach: Ricki HERBERT
Paraguay (from): 1-Justo VILLAR (GK /captain), 2-Dario VERON, 3-Claudio RODRIGUEZ, 4-Cesar BENITEZ, 6-Carlos BONET, 7-Hernan Perez, 8-Osmar MOLINAS, 9-Federico SANTANDER, 10-Edgar BENITEZ, 11-Nestor CAMACHO, 12-Diego BERRETO (GK), 13-Enrique VERA, 14-Paulo DA SILVA, 15-Victor CACERES, 16-Cristian RIVEROS, 17-Marcos RIVEROS, 18-Nelson VALDEZ, 19-Derlis ORUE, 20-Osvaldo MARTINEZ.
Coach: Geraldo MARTINO
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
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