Shane Smeltz is the impact player for the All Whites
New Zealand go up against Paraguay. The South American team hope to join Argentina and Uruguay in what is turning out to be a Copa America party.
The Paraguayans are proving to be not just Oscar Cardozo (they have been winning with him on the bench) and Roque Santa Cruz. Against Italy and Slovakia, the Guaranies have showcased the talents of Lukas Barrios, Antolin Alcaraz, Enrique Vera, and Crisitian Riveros.
Both countries have huge stakes. The All Whites can progress to the Group of 16 with a win. Already on a historic high with their two encounters against Slovakia and Italy, can they turn all predictions upside down? Paraguay will be keen on avoiding Netherlands who are in all likelihood to top Group F.
Shane Smeltz, Winston Reid, Leo Bertos, Ryan Nelsen, and Mark Paston have all proven that big names don’t matter. 90 minutes does. We had a monumental game yesterday, could we see one more unfold in about an hour?