Paraguay call All Whites boring
NZPA
Last updated 06:39 25/06/2010


New Zealand's defensive tactics in this morning's 0-0 soccer draw against Paraguay at the World Cup in South Africa have been labelled boring.

The result put Paraguay through to the next stage of the tournament, but ended the All Whites' campaign, following earlier 1-1 draws with Slovakia and world champions Italy.

Slovakia also progressed to the top 16 after a 3-2 win over Italy in this morning's other group F match.

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said he was disappointed with the match, saying the team had played badly.

''I'm not pleased with how we played. We had problems in an area where we didn't expect, and that was in attack.''

Striker Roque Santa Cruz was also dissatisfied with the game.

''The game got boring because they were so defensive. In a game like this you expect to win but the important thing is we qualified,'' he said following the game.

''We're very happy to have qualified but it was a very difficult game.''

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/fifa-world-cup/3853050/Paraguay-call-All-Whites-boring

I have nothing against New Zealand as a nation or football team.

I don't agree with the amount of New Zealand related BS is pushed down our throats as Aussies, though. I take exception to being told that NZ should be my second team by default, just because they are our closest neighbours at the world cup.

New Zealand have been boring during this world cup; It's an undeniable fact. They have been thoroughly outplayed every single game they have been in throughout the group stages. Grabbing a lucky draw against a woeful Italy is nothing to crow about.

As for Phoenix, I see them as more trouble than they're worth. That's my opinion that I enjoy voicing. Deal with it.