Rank outsiders and footballing minnows New Zealand pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the tournaments, by holding world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw collecting their second point of the tournament, after their last-gasp equaliser against Slovakia in the first group game. This time around it was NZ who took the lead with only 7 minutes gone. They were given a free kick outside the Italian area and it was curled in by the impressive Elliott Smith. Reid, who had scored against the Slovaks, flicked it on to Shane Smeltz who beat Cannavaro and Marchetti, in place of the injured Buffon, to give the All-Whites a shock lead. Replays showed that Smeltz was actually offside but that didn't bother New Zealand as they tried to further rattle the Azzurri.
The Italians weren't about to let NZ get away with it, and soon got back into the game after some good play in midfield by the lively Montolivo, who had impressed in the first game. The pressure on the New Zealanders soon told, as Tommy Smith was penalised for shirt-pulling in the area. The referee awarded Italy a penalty and a way back into the game. Iaquinta stepped up and beat keeper Mark Paston to get the equaliser. The sides went in on equal terms at the break with New Zealand more in disbelief than in disarray as was expected by many when the fixtures were announced before the start of the tournament.
Marcello Lippi knew after the 1-1 draw against Paraguay, Italy had to get back to winning ways, if they were to have any chance of defending their title. He brought on Camoranesi and di Natale to provide some more attacking threat and increase their chances going forward. Camoranesi had made a positive difference in the previous game and also looked lively in this game. But still New Zealand stood firm, and the winning goal eluded Italy. It was actually New Zealand who came close to getting an unlikely win when Vicelich latched on to the ball and fired his volley past the Italian defence. Unfortunately for NZ it was too high to cause any real damage. Montolivo again was doing all the hard work for Italy, chasing after every ball that came his way, and causing the All-White defence some problems. Luckily, Paston was equal to every ball that the Italians threw at him, and was on hand to make some vital saves. He, along with Smith, Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen and Reid were rock solid at the back putting their absolute heart and soul into the match, and laying down anything and everything on the line, to prevent the Italians from infiltrating. As the game wore on, I got more and more nervous for the All-Whites and was praying they could hold on to get that point.
They could have grabbed all 3, had teenager Chris Wood been able to put away a golden chance at the other end, missing the net by mere inches. The draw was no more than NZ deserved, and they still stand a chance of qualifying. What a tournament for the side that don't even have a professional league back home. In fact, substitute Barron, who came on in injury time during the game, is a semi-pro, who has had to take special leave from the bank where he works to participate. He will have felt that it was all worth it, after his side's historic draw. It may have been a draw, but it felt like a victory for the celebrating New Zealanders. As for the Italians, well they have it all to do in their next game, against Slovakia. Only victory is acceptable. But one wonders if this ageing side have got it in them to pull off a much-needed, inspired performance when it really matters...
Paraguay, continued their good form, with a great game against Slovakia, winning 2-0 and placing themselves at the top of Group F. It has been a great tournament so far, for the South American teams who remain unbeaten and on course to make it through to the last 16. Paraguay were great going forward, but also did well at the back too to keep a cleansheet.
Slovakia were really poor - there was no intensity about their play, they were inactive in going forward, they lacked movement and width to their play and were subsequently made to pay by some good Paraguayan moves and excellent pressure. Some players of note were Lucas Barrios, Valdez and Santa Cruz who were all able to combine effectively to produce some scintillating football. I was so impressed by Barrios in particular, who was so hard-working and willing to run after every ball. He was really pleasing to watch and always present in all the Paraguayan attacks.
Paraguay were yet another example of classic, South American flavour, with patient build-up play, short, sharp passing and breathtaking movement. They were a class above the Slovakians who could just sat back only offering some threat on the counter. The first goal came courtesy of a fine pass by, who else but, Barrios. It found its way over to Vera who used the outside of his boot to guide the ball into the back of the net. A lovely goal, and a sublime assist. The three forward players for Paraguay were a joy to watch, playing one-two football and causing the Slovakian defence all sorts of problems.
There was just no invention or creativity from the Slovakians. Hamsik, who plays for Napoli, was one of the ones to watch coming into this tournament, but was not able to do as much. To be fair, this was largely down to his teammates who could not rouse themselves from their slumber. Despite the Paraguayan dominance, it was not until the 86th minute, that they doubled their lead. Riveros' goal confirmed, what had always looked inevitable - a victory for Paraguay, that puts them on the brink of sealing qualification at the top of Group F. They need just a point against New Zealand to affirm this, but from the flair and innovation we saw against Slovakia, this doesn't seem at all out of the question. As for Slovakia, well it looks like their World Cup campaign has pretty much ended already. They have only one point from a possible 6, with Italy still left to play. Remember, the Azzurri will be desperate for the win, and whilst the players may be old, they still have the quality to better Slovakia.
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