World Cup Game #41

If I was surprised that Italy drew with NZ in the previous game, I was utterly stunned by this result - Italy lost 3-2 to Slovakia and were knocked out in the group stages for the first time since 1974. To be honest, bar the last 10 or so minutes, Italy were never really in this game but when they did wake up, they managed to score two goals, the second of which, from Quagliarella was just stunning but it was all too late by then. Now just imagine what they could have done if they had been wake for the last half hour, let alone the whole game. It's always a sad sight to see a former champion team trudging off, looking so utterly crushed but failing to win against NZ really did cost them dearly!

And, just in case this sounds like it is all about Italy, credit has to be given to Slovakia absolutely taking the game to them, attacking at every chance and having a steady defence for so much of the game.

Just stunned, I am!

World Cup Game #42

NZ did it again, getting a draw (0-0, this time) against a much superior side in the guise of Paraguay on this occasion. This was a fairly dull game, to be honest, as much as the result was a bit of a thrill. The double statistic of NZ finishing with more points (and a better goal difference)than current World Champions Italy and also being the only undefeated side failing to make the 2nd round just about boggles my brain. The first half was dull by anyone's standards but the second half sprung to life as the Kiwis realised that Italy was struggling again in the other game and one unanswered NZ goal could actually get them through to the next round.

Simultaneously, the Paraguayans came to life and so there were a few opportunities for both sides. Outstanding work from NZ's keeper Paston meant the Paraguay were not successful but equally, the defensive depth of Paraguay meant that NZ didn't score either.

Paraguay go through to the next round #1 in their group while NZ goes home with pride in a damn good tournament effort.

World Cup Game #43

The 3-1 victory to Japan over Denmark was really decided by two stunning Japanese free kicks in the first half hour of the game. Who said no-one had really worked out how to use the Jabulani ball? The Danes did work very hard to try to get back into the game but the Japanese defence was tight and let through precious few chances and, just as they looked like getting back into it in the last ten minutes, the Japanese scored a third goal. The result means the Japanese go through, second in the group whilst the Danes are eliminated.

World Cup Game #44

Games between an already-eliminated team and an already-qualified team can be some of the dullest and/or nastiest in the World Cup so it was a pleasant surprise that both teams had a go at making this an attacking spectacle. They were largely successful despite the relatively low scores. I particularly enjoyed this game as the player that I was hoping to be one of the standouts, Arjen Robben, finally got to come on as a sub after recovering from his injury and then also contributing to the second Dutch goal. It was also good to see Van Persie get on the score sheet as he is another player who has disappointed so far. The Dutch finally ran 2-1 winners, going through to the next round as undefeated in the group whilst the Cameroonians could go home with pride in their performance, at least for this game.