New Zealand were the better side in the first half. Well organised & getting the ball into the wide areas to get crosses into the box for they're front three. Five minutes into the second half Slovakia went ahead after a ball into the box and Vittek got a diving head on it which sent it in the corner past Paston in the All Whites goal. Slovakia never really attempted to up the tempo of the game. New Zealand were they're for the taking. The Kiwi's got two chances to level the game. The first was a free header which was put wide. Then in the 93rd minute a cross from Smeltz into the Slovak box and a header from central defender Wilson Reid into the far corner put them on level terms with only seconds remaining.
Ivory Coast 0 Portugal 0
Not many chances in the first half only a Ronaldo's effort which came back off the post. Goalkeeper's did not have much to contend with in terms of shots on goal. Into the second half and again not much to talk about. The game ending 0-0. A point a piece, in a game that promised so much but delivered so little.
Brazil 2 (Maicon 55, Elano 72) North Korea 1 (Yun-Nam Ji 89)
In the first half Brazil had more of the possession but couldn't find a way through the resolute North Korea defence. In the second half it was much of the same until a goal from Maicon put Brazil ahead. Maicon hit the jabulani from just about in line with the goal and it swerved past the keeper at his near post. Late on in the game a fantastic pass from Robinho into the box meant Elano did not have to take a touch and could side foot the jabulani home. A long ball into Jong Tae Se allowed him to head the ball down to Yun-Nam Ji's path he took a few touches into the box and was able to keep his cool and finish over Julio Cesar in the Brazil goal.
Upcoming Fixtures:-
New Zealand vs Italy - Sunday 21st - 3pm
Slovakia vs Paraguay - Sunday 21st - 12:30pm
Brazil vs Ivory Coast - Sunday 21st - 7:30pm
Portugal vs North Korea - Monday 22nd - 12:30pm
