Super Slovakia

By Since66
June 25 2010

Italy became the latest 'big' country and World Cup holders to be dumped out of the WC2010 without qualifying from their group after losing to Slovakia 3-2 in an incredible game yesterday afternoon. With New Zealand drawing against Paraquay 0-0 (their 3rd draw and unbeaten), Italy's embarrasment was compounded by finishing bottom of Group F.

Italy's coach Marcello Lippi did a 'Domenech' and refused to shake the hand of the Slovakian coach Vladimir Weiss as he stormed down to the dressing room as the final whistle blew.

Slovakia took the lead in the 25th minute through Vittek and the same player scored again seventeen minutes from time to give the Slovakians a comfortable lead and certain qualification.

Italy though, finally realising their reign as holders was in serious jeopardy, finally woke up.

They bashed and bashed at the Slovakian door, which creaked when Di Natale pulled a goal back. Italy then had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside and then while pressing for their second, Slovakia broke away and Kopunek scored Slovakia's third.

There was still time for more heart stopping moments when Quagliarella chipped in a beauty from 25 yards (Goal of the tournament?) and then right at the death, before Italy's elimination was confirmed, Simone Pepe scuffed a shot wide at the far post.

Paraquay finished top of the group after drawing 0-0 with the supposedly weakest team, New Zealand, who can hold their heads high, after remaining unbeaten during their group games.

Japan's, 'The Power of Dreams' Honda, scored and made one goal as the Japanese overcame the challenge of the Danes 3-1 to qualify for the last sixteen for the first time on foreign soil.

Holland beat Cameroon 2-1, finishing top of Group E, with a 100% record.

Van Persie and Huntelaar were the Dutch goalscorers. Eto'o scored Cameroon's goal.

Today's Matches:

Portugal v Brazil  3pm

North Korea v Ivory Coast 3pm

Switzerland v Honduras 7.30pm

Chile v Spain 7.30pm