There was only one team trying to win this game Paraguay & they won it comfortably. They took the lead after good play and a deep run from Vera, who run into the box and hit his first time shot with the outside of his boot. It curled passed the keeper, who had no chance with the shot. The Slovak's were looking for a draw until they conceded. They sat back at the start of the 2nd half and looked to hit the Paraguayans on the break but that didn't manifest. Paraguay sealed the game four minutes from time after Riveros powered his shot past Mucha.
Italy 1 (Iaquinta pen 29) New Zealand 1 (Smeltz 7)
Today the Kiwi's achieved the greatest result in New Zealand footballing history. Smeltz put the jabulani past the goalie after a whipped in freekick on 7 mintues. After that it was all Italy and they got the chance to equalise from the sport after Tommy Smith brought down Daniele De Rossi. Vicenzo Iaquinta stepped up and put the jabulani passed Paston in the All Whites goal. Italy were the better side throughout the game after going 1-0 down. They couldn't score and New Zealand picked up a deserved point.
Brazil 3 ( Luis Fabiano 25, 50, Elano 62, Kaka Sent Off 88) Ivory Coast 1 (Drogba 79)
Brazil took the lead when good work from Kaka then his ball through allowed Luis Fabiano smack the jabulani home from an awkward angle. Brazil doubled their lead five minutes into the 2nd half. Luis Fabiano clipped the jabulani over one defender then another then smacked a powerful shot into Barry's goal. Kaka got more and more into the game and created Brazil's third. Kaka ran at Kolo Toure and beat him then crossed into the box for Elano to side foot home. A great run from Gervinho who laid off the jabulani to Yaya Toure who knocked the jabulani into the box and all Didier Drogba had to do was steer his header into the net. Kaka was sent off two minutes from time after Kadar Keita feigned injury. The referee didn't see it happen nor did the linesman. It was an injustice of the highest order.
Upcoming Fixtures:-
Slovakia vs Italy - Thursday 24th 3:00pm
Paraguay vs New Zealand - Thursday 24th 3:00pm
Brazil vs Portugal - Friday 25th 3:00pm
Ivory Coast vs North Korea - Friday 25th 3:00pm
