Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino is well prepared for the physical battle he expects New Zealand to present in Thursday's final World Cup Group F fixture.

The All Whites have earned creditable draws against Slovakia and Italy through sheer hard work allied to a sustained physical presence.

Martino's side, who currently top the group and need only a point to progress to the last 16, may play more football but he knows that will be no guarantee come kick-off.

"The match is going to be more similar to the match with Slovakia," said Martino, who admitted more than six months ago he knew nothing about New Zealand or their players.

"New Zealand have a different style to that of Italy but they also create other types of complications. We have a lot of respect for their physicality as they know how to exploit this.

"I can't imagine any coach who is not aware of this. I don't think it is going to be easy in any way."

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert plans to give Paraguay a hard time as his side look to create another piece of history.

A draw could be enough to put the All Whites into the second round, providing Italy versus Slovakia finishes in a lower-scoring draw.

They have already drawn against the other two teams in Group F but Paraguay pose the greatest threat of them all with their attack-minded side.

But having worked hard to get themselves into the position they are now in - on the verge of qualifying for the last-16 for the first time - Herbert is not prepared to let the opportunity slip.

"I think it has been an outstanding World Cup. What we have done so far is incredible and it has gone pretty deep back home and we are all really proud," said Herbert.

"We haven't been on the world stage for 28 years (New Zealand's only other World Cup appearance saw them lose all three matches and concede 12 goals) and we wanted to be credible and get results - but we have a unique opportunity of taking it on step further. I don't think we will hold back. I think we are competitive - nothing else and no different to a lot of sides at this World Cup."