Chile beat New Zealand 2-0 in training match

KA NYAMAZANE, South Africa (AP):

Gonzalo Fierro and Esteban Paredes scored a goal each to help Chile beat New Zealand 2-0 in a training match yesterday before the World Cup.

Fierro scored with a shot at the near post in the 67th minute, with Paredes firing the second three minutes later.

Both teams made wholesale changes during the three 30-minute periods of the match held in Ka Nyamazane, a small town near Nelspruit.

Chile striker Humberto Suazo was still missing for Chile with an injury to his left thigh that threatens his participation in the World Cup, while New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen stayed in Johannesburg because of a minor ear infection but should be fit for the start of the tournament.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa said Suazo was continuing his rehabilitation before a return to training.

"If he keeps progressing as he is at the moment, he should be available next Wednesday," Bielsa said.

Deflecting the shot

Jean Beausejour also went close for Chile after bursting on to a Matias Fernandez pass, but New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston deflected the shot over with his shoulder in the 23rd minute.

Neither team overexerted itself during the match, but Fierro eventually broke the deadlock with a shot that beat New Zealand's substitute goalkeeper James Bannatyne at the near post.

Paredes got his goal three minutes later, racing in front of Ivan Vicelic before stroking the ball low past Bannatyne.

New Zealand's best chance came when Tommy Smith failed to hit the target from close range in the dying minutes of the match.

Chile start their World Cup campaign against Honduras in Nelspruit on June 16, while New Zealand kicks off against Slovakia in Rustenburg on June 15.

Chile plays in Group H with Honduras, Spain and Switzerland. New Zealand are in Group F with Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay.