POLOKWANE, June 24 (AP): Paraguay moved into the last 16 of the World Cup for the fourth time in its history today after being held to an uneventful 0-0 draw by New Zealand.
Neither team created many scoring chances despite displaying more urgency after the break following a turgid first half at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Paraguay finished with five points in Group F, two more than New Zealand - which was eliminated after Slovakia beat Italy 3-2 in the other group game to advance.
Paraguay substitute Edgar Benitez sent a low shot that was saved by goalkeeper Mark Paston in the 76th minute in the best chance of the match.
Teammate Cristian Riveros headed straight at Paston from a short corner in the 64th in the only other chance of note.
Playing in only its second World Cup - having lost all three matches in 1982 - New Zealand came into the match after 1-1 draws with Slovakia and then defending champion Italy, a team ranked 73 places above the Kiwis.
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, who played in that 1982 tournament, made no changes from Sunday�s match against Italy in Nelspruit.
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino made three changes to the team that beat Slovakia 2-0 in Bloemfontein. Forward Oscar Cardozo came in for Lucas Barrios, and defenders Denis Caniza and Julio Cesar Caceres replaced Carlos Bonet and Anatolin Alcaraz.
