Soccer: How the All Whites rated against Paraguay

All Whites player ratings from their nil-all World Cup draw with Paraguay.


RYAN NELSEN 8/10
Judged Paraguay's long balls to perfection and covered the runs of the oncoming attackers. As always, made timely interceptions and roared his men on.

TOMMY SMITH 6/10
With most of the Paraguayan attacks going down Reid's flanks, Smith had a quietier time than in previous matches. Timed his interventions effectively.


LEO BERTOS 7.5/10
Was once again the Kiwi most willing to have a crack with the ball at his feet. Found room to run and skinned a couple of Paraguayans, but crossed without effect.


SIMON ELLIOTT 6/10
The opposition cramped his space and he returned to old habits, passing to defenders. Accurate free kicks.

SHANE SMELTZ 7.5/10
Started with real spark, beating three men to squeeze off a wild shot in the fourth minute. But was stilted in the mid-period. A brilliant finish with a cross that nearly won the game.

RORY FALLON 5.5/10
Was again guilty of flapping his arms about too much. But managed to win a couple of free kicks and even saw an opponent slapped with a yellow. Slow over the ground.

CHRIS KILLEN 5.5/10
Gave the Paraguayan defenders too much space to pick out their passes and couldn't shake off his markers on attack. Lost possession with a few sloppy touches.

MARK PASTON 8.5/10
Was comfortable through a quiet first half, but busy in the second with a host of brilliant saves. Calm, committed and athletic - he was immense. The keeper was pick of the All Whites for the tournament.


IVAN VICELICH 7.5/10
A difficult time of it on the ball in cramped conditions and never really comfortable blazing forward, but he and Elliott did well to force the South Americans into shooting from distance.

WINSTON REID 7.5/10
Another sterling display in defence. Won his battle with the Paraguayans' trickiest attacker, Nelson Valdez. Made intelligent use of space to receive passes.

TONY LOCHHEAD 5/10
Won't meet too many attackers as slick as Enrique Vera in his day job with the Phoenix. And that'll be a relief. Was stretched on defence and conceded the 89th minute foul.

SUBSTITUTES:
Chris Wood on 68min for Fallon. Ran determinedly. 6.5/10
Jeremy Brockie on at 78min for Killen. Little action. 5/10