Paraguay v New Zealand, Thursday 24th June, 3pm
When it comes to which team could be the dark horses of the 2010 World Cup, step forward Paraguay, who produced an excellent performance to beat Slovakia on Sunday. The 2-0 win was thoroughly deserved and the south Americans look a cracking bet at 1/2 (bet365) to make sure of top spot in Group F with victory in Polokwane.
Indeed, it’s surprising to see Gerardo Martino’s team available at 33/1 (William Hill) on the outright market when the Paraguayans are likely to face either Japan or Denmark at the last sixteen stage of the contest. You can currently get odds of 40/1 about them on betfair, which seems like a tremendous back to lay opportunity when you consider that a potential quarter final could see them face Italy or Chile.
Martino’s team are playing with lots of confidence and they will once again be hard to break down defensively, especially with Justo Villar looking like a safe pair of hands between the sticks. Paddy Power and bet365 offer a tempting 5/4 that the favourites lead the match at half-time and full-time, with Roque Santa Cruz (11/2 bet365) and Lucas Barrios (9/2 Ladbrokes) likely to provide plenty of cutting edge against a hard-working but ultimately limited New Zealand side.
The All Whites have to be given enormous credit for the way that they have performed during this World Cup, although perhaps their bubble will burst against an in-form team who have clicked into gear. However, if you think that the so-called minnows are good for yet another draw, Ladbrokes offers 7/2 that this match ends all square and another 1-1 scoreline is available at 15/2 (Sky Bet). It would be a terrific achievement if they were to bow out of the tournament with an unbeaten record, although Ricki Herbert will clearly be eyeing up the possibility that they can make the last sixteen.
Blue Square offer a best price 7/1 that the Kiwis win the game and confirm their place in the knockout stages, with Shane Smeltz (14/1 bet365) the man on target against the Italians. West Brom striker Chris Wood (14/1 Sky Bet) nearly made a name for himself with a late winner against the Azzurri and he’ll be pressing for a starting place for Thursday’s crunch game.
