Paraguay overcome own-goal fiasco

Paraguay captain Alexis Duarte looked as if he would break down any moment as he led his team into lemon break trailing underdogs New Zealand 1-2. The team from South America scored all the three goals in the first half, two of them were from Duarte's foot resulting in own goals as New Zealand gained the upper hand and were well set to enter the second phase of the tournament in their eighth appearance.

However, Paraguay's combination of Leonardo Sanchez and substitute Anibal Vega slammed two goals in three minutes – 75th and 78th – and Blas Armoa's brilliance in the injury time saved Paraguay, and Duarte in particular, from an embarrassing defeat, and avenge their 2015 defeat to the New Zealanders.

With two wins in two games, Paraguay secured a spot in the next round.

Earlier, defender Duarte deflected into his own goal off fine footwork, first by Kiwis' Leon van den Hoven's free kick in the 20th minute and then a smart skill from Elijah Just, who created room for him to cross on the left in the 34th minute.

Midfielder Rodriguez, who scored off a penalty kick against Mali in the previous game last Friday, put Paraguay ahead in only the second minute with a stunning left-footer that curled into the top left corner of the net from about 25 yards.

Stopwatch: Paraguay 4 (Alan Rodriguez 2, Anibel Vega 75, 78, Blas Armoa 90+1) bt New Zealand 2 (Alexis Duarte-og 20, 34). HT: 1-2