Do Italy have what it takes to retain their trophy? Well firstly, let's talk about what we know that they have for certain: an ageing but nonetheless experienced squad, plenty of world cup know-how, a manager who propelled Italy to their world cup win in 2006, a captain who is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world (or at least he was in 2006) and a keeper who is heralded as one of the best of the present generation. Coming into this tournament, the odds have been stacked against them winning a successive world cup: they have the second oldest squad in the competition, they have left several key players behind through injury or because they have been out-of-form and they have some waiting to return from injury, such as the influential Pirlo. In addition, they haven't had the greatest of results recently in their friendly matches. But still - did many people seriously expect them to win in 2006? So, you can't rule them out until they go out.
Last night's performance, however, did leave a lot to be desired for the Italians if they want to stay in the fight to challenge their title. They came up against Paraguay (is it me, or do there seem to be way more South American teams in the competition this year?!) who took a shock lead towards the end of the half. Before that, Italy had had most of the possession but had failed to do anything with it. Without their playmaker Pirlo, Italy were found desperately wanting in the creativity department, although Montolivo did go close. He was probably their best player in the first half. Paraguay, on the other hand, had a few chances but it was not until a free kick in the 39th minute, that they got the goal to take them into the lead. For a team, renowned for its defence, Italy surprisingly failed to deal with Alcaraz who leapt the highest to head home the goal. At half-time, Buffon was forced to come off due to a niggling back injury and was replaced by Marchetti. Paraguay could have made it 2 but ultimately Italy found their way back into the game, rather fortuitously I might add.
Yep, you guessed it...it was another goalkeeping blunder (again not quite as bad as a certain Rob Green's). Italy had a corner, and the goalkeeper Villar came across to punch it clear...and missed it horribly, gifting De Rossi with an easy tap in. We have seen this type of blunder so many times before. If, as a keeper, you are gonna come out of your goal to clear away any kind of free kick or corner, you have to be certain that you're gonna get it because otherwise this happens. Before the goal, Lippi had sent Camoranesi on. What a great substitution! He added some creativity, firepower and urgency to the game and really made a difference. Pepe was quite lively too and Italy finished the game the stronger side. Both teams pushed forward to find the killer goal but it wasn't too be. I'm glad Paraguay hung on and got the point though, because it was no less than what they deserved after a dogged performance against the world champions. Italy are gonna have to do much better if they are to at least attempt to defend their crown and they are gonna have to hope Buffon and Pirlo recover quickly. For the South Americans, they must feel they have a real chance to get themselves through to the last 16, and possibly even finish top.
The other game in the group was this afternoon: New Zealand vs. Slovakia. I must admit, I wasn't expecting much from NZ if I'm honest. Much like many people I expect. But they pleasantly surprised with their performance today. The New Zealanders were playing in only their second World Cup tournament and started of the first half, much the better side. I was quite impressed by Elliott Smith who was not bad at the set pieces. NZ played the long ball game - getting in the balls from distance and trying to create chances like that. Slovakia on the other hand, were pretty poor. They were by far the better side on paper, but failed to show their superiority in the game. Slovakia's best chances and play came from the young son of the national coach, Vladmir Weiss who was pretty impressive with his pace. On the whole, NZ were pretty decent. It was just their keeper who had a bit of a nervy performance. He miskicked a ball straight to a Slovakian player and was lucky to see it shepherded out by his defenders. Perhaps it's that end of the pitch or something that does it to a keeper - they were playing in Rustenburg after all! He had one or two other hairy moments after that as well, but managed to keep Slovakia out until 5 minutes into the second half. Robert Vittek got his head on a cross from the right and managed to steer it past Mark Paston to the relief of Vladmir Weiss Snr, watching on from the touchline. NZ had taken confidence from the fact that they had managed to keep Slovakia out for so long, but were knocked back by this early goal. They were unable to keep the ball and find a way back and Slovakia began to dominate the play. However, they could not find the second goal and looked leggy as the half wore on. They were made to pay for their complacency when NZ were awarded two great chances right at the end. It looked as though Lochhead had missed their last chance of the game to grab a point but all was not lost. In the final minute of extra time, NZ defender Reid stole away from the Slovakian defence and headed the ball past the keeper. It prompted euphoric celebration, as NZ got their first ever point in the finals of the world cup. It was a deserved point for the Kiwis and now throws Group F wide open.
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