Half a world away and still miles from home New Zealand fans gathered at Helm Bar in Sydney's Darling Harbour to watch their side in the vital Group F clash.
Around 100 fans showed support for their side battling the midnight start, but they were not alone in support for Ryan Nelsen and his side.
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“I'm an Aussie supporting my Kiwi friends, but I suspect they have done their nation so proud it's unbelievable.” Said one Australian draped in a New Zealand scarf.
“I'm Australian, I work for Kiwis, but you know what it is just like what we did four years ago, it's all about Australasia” Another screamed from across the bar.
With two screens showing the demise of the Italian side, fans tried to spur their side to victory minute by minute, until a raft of half chances opened up as Paraguay looked for a winner, leaving them momentarily exposed at the back.
It was just not to be this time for the New Zealand side, who many expected would not even obtain a single point from the group stage of the competition.
Despite their elimination from the competition the fans left with their head held high.
“We are the only team to keep Paraguay scoreless”
“It has surprised me how far we have gotten, but I was sure we were going to get a goal tonight.” One fan said.
“I am so proud of the boys. That Paston is a legend” Said Alicia Chabra the leader of KEA, a Kiwi expatriate group in Sydney.
“I'm very proud of how they performed, four years time we are there, and can't wait to see how we go again”
“I may be a bit late to work tomorrow” Chabra said as she headed for the door.
Bowing out of the competition the fans gave their all to support a side that took the imagination of New Zealand and world football fans alike, they will play no further part in the tournament, but they have done their nation proud.
