Former All Whites defender Sam Malcolmson is looking for New Zealand to pull off the improbable against Paraguay early on Friday (NZT) in their final game of group play at the soccer World Cup in South Africa.
The All Whites, unbeaten in pool play after two 1-1 results against Slovakia and defending champions Italy earlier, the equation is simple: if they beat Paraguay at Polokwane, they will advance to the next round.
Paraguay lead the group with four points, two ahead of New Zealand and defending champions Italy while Slovakia have one point.
The final round of group F matches on Friday (2am NZT) - the other is between Italy and Slovakia - will decide the two teams who will advance to the last 16 knockout stage.
A draw with Paraguay might be enough, depending what happens between Italy and Slovakia at the same time in Johannesburg.
Against Italy, the All Whites opened the scoring in the seventh minute and Malcolmson, a defender for the All Whites at the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain, said similar start against Paraguay would be the perfect scenario.
Paraguay were a skilful side in the South American mould but also brought European physicality to the game, he said.
They were a confident-looking outfit who had drawn 1-1 with Italy when they should have won and had not needed to get into top gear in their 2-0 win over Slovakia, Malcolmson told NZPA.
"The All Whites' defence, particularly the back three of Ryan Nelsen, Tommy Smith and Winston Reid will have to hold their shape for the whole game and get enough support from Leo Bertos and Tony Lochhead."
Nelsen's match-up with former Blackburn Rovers teammate Roque Santa Cruz, now with Manchester City, will be one of the features of the match.
"Paraguay love to attack down the flanks and if Smith and Reid are dragged too wide, they have skilful attackers who can exploit the gaps."
If Bertos and Lochhead had to do too much in defence this could also dry up the supply of ball for their forwards.
Paraguay's defence was well-organised and physically uncompromising with Gerard Martino, Paolo da Silva and Julio Caceres well capable of blunting the All Whites' front three of Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon and Chris Killen.
But Malcolmson said there were a couple of areas that the All Whites could exploit to put the No 3 South American side under pressure.
Goalkeeper Justo Villar did not appear to be on top of his form and the All Whites should take every opportunity to test his nerve.
"If the goalkeeper gets jumpy then anything could happen," said Malcolmson, who scored twice during a 15-match career with the All Whites.
Ricki Herbert's side could also go out and play a measured game to frustrate Paraguay.
New Zealand have played Paraguay only once before, going down 2-3 in an international friendly in 1995 at Santiago De Chile.
But this side in South Africa have shown they are capable of equalising the statistic.
Malcolmson said his mind said Paraguay were the stronger side, but his heart said the All Whites were displaying such strong self belief, anything could happen if they stepped up another level.
