The South American nation manage to claim a battling victory despite Alexis Duarte scoring two own goals at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

A brace from Anibal Vega half an hour into the second half proved the turning point for Paraguay, who have qualified from Group B with a game to spare.

Paraguay wasted little time in going in front as they took the lead after two minutes through Alan Rodriguez's speculative long-range effort.

Duarte endured a nightmare 14-minute spell as his first own goal levelled the score after 20 minutes.

He then put the ball through his own net for a second time 11 minutes before the break, handing New Zealand a shock lead.

Paraguay fought back, however, with Vega's brace putting them ahead before Blas Armoa sealed the points with their fourth late on.

In the other match in Group B, Mali bounced back from their narrow defeat to Paraguay in their opening match of the tournament by comfortably beating Turkey 3-0 at the same venue.

In Group A, India's first-ever Under-17 World Cup goal was not enough as the hosts lost 2-1 to Colombia at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Juan Penaloza broke the deadlock to edge Colombia ahead but India thought they had earned an historic point when Jeakson Thounaojam restored parity seven minutes from time.

Unfortunately for the Indian contingent inside the stadium, there was one more dramatic twist as Penaloza struck again a minute later.

The United States went top of Group A as substitute Ayo Akinola came off the bench to earn his side a 1-0 win over Ghana.

The tournament continues tomorrow with another four matches.

Costa Rica entertain Guinea and Iran face Germany in Group C, while Spain take on Niger and North Korea play Brazil in Group D.