Paraguay has yet to clinch a place in the knockout round, but is already targeting the quarterfinals. Whether New Zealand advances or not, its World Cup has already been a rousing success.
Both teams have plenty on the line when they meet Thursday in their Group F finale at Polokwane.
After Paraguay took over the group lead with a 2-0 victory over Slovakia on Sunday, New Zealand stunned reigning world champion Italy by holding on for a 1-1 draw later in the day.
"I think that stopped the nation," New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said. "It's the most incredible result we've had across the board. As a football coach, it's way above anything we've achieved in the history of the game."
Those results have buoyed both teams' hopes as Paraguay has four points, Italy and New Zealand two and Slovakia one heading into Thursday. Italy and Slovakia will play simultaneously in Johannesburg.
A victory would clinch the group for Paraguay, which would avoid a likely knockout-round matchup with the Netherlands as a result. That has La Albirroja thinking beyond the round of 16.
"Paraguay's never been in the World Cup quarterfinals," striker Roque Santa Cruz said. "There is always time to change history."
Paraguay shouldn't underestimate New Zealand, which used an equalizer in second-half stoppage time to draw Slovakia in its opener before the amazing performance against Italy.
Shane Smeltz scored in the seventh minute, and New Zealand's determined defense stifled the Azzurri throughout the match for one of the most surprising outcomes of the tournament.
"We are always daring to dream," Herbert said. "At the World Cup anything is possible - we've seen some strange results - but nothing as big as that one."
The All Whites will advance with a victory. A draw will also be enough if the Italy-Slovakia match ends in a draw, and the Italians score fewer goals Thursday than New Zealand.
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino adopted an attacking formation in his club's second match after a defensive effort in a 1-1 draw with Italy in its opener. Santa Cruz was inserted into the lineup alongside Nelson Haedo Valdez and Lucas Barrios for a three-man strike force.
"These results have strengthened us mentally and spiritually, not just as football players but in our attitude as well," Martino said.
While the defense of La Albirroja has not been tested much, it will face an aerial threat from New Zealand. The All Whites have focused on defense, and their attack has mostly some from long-range crosses.
"We're strong, we're good in the air," captain Ryan Nelsen said. "That's part of the game."
Paraguay will advance with a draw, but wants to ensure winning the group.
"Our minds are very open,'' Santa Cruz said. "We are thinking if we keep performing as well as we expect ... and keep working as hard as we are now, anything is possible."
