1-1 
A dream start put New Zealand in the lead in the seventh minute!
Shane Smeltz scored the opener for the Kiwis, they then soaked in all the mafia’s attacks.
Italy managed to score in the 29th minute through Vincenzo Iaquinta, from the penalty spot after Tommy Smith was judged to have pulled down Daniele de Rossi in the box. But failed to grab a winner. Now they have just two points from their opening two Group F matches. and face Slovakia in their final group match. The reigning World Cup Champions need a win to guarantee a place in the last 16.
Italian Captain- Fabio Cannavaro tackles Chris Killen.
“Certainly it’s not the will of the lads that is missing but a bit of fluidity. We hit post and had chances but we created little really,”
Italian coach Lippi said.
“We knew we’d be up against it tonight but we showed great resilience and I’m well pleased. We’re going to be bloody hard to beat I’ll tell you that,”
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said.
3-1 
Brazil turned on their magic to beat Ivory Coast 3-1 in Group G
Luis Fabiano scored 2 goals. Brazil have secured their place in the last 16.
But Brazil will be a bit disappointed after Kaka was controversially sent off for a second yellow card two minutes from time. Elano scored the 3rd goal after 62 minutes.
Drogba, Lucio and Gilberto Silva fight for the ball.
Ivory Coast skipper Didier Drogba headed his team’s lone goal after 79 minutes.
Ivory Coast Coach Eriksson was unhappy about Fabiano’s second goal, he said:
“We were unlucky there and the referee didn’t see that (the handballs). It shouldn’t have been allowed.”
Fabiano’s double ended a lean spell for the Brazilian, he commented:
“(Coach) Dunga always talks to me and gave me confidence. It was very important the confidence everybody showed in me.”
After scoring the goal Elano was stretchered off with a shin injury.
2-0 
Paraguay beat a lacklustre Slovakia to move top of Group F.
Enrique Vera gave Paraguay the lead after 27 minutes and Cristian Riveros grabbed a second four minutes from time.
The win puts Paraguay on four points and leaves Slovakia with one.
Skrtel and Roque Santa Cruz jump for the ball.
Paraguay had enjoyed the upper hand in the first half though Slovakia always looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Their superiority was rewarded when Vera drilled the ball home with the outside of his right foot from 12 metres after being set up by Lucas Barrios from the left.
Their victory against Slovakia, who managed only one shot on target, should provide the platform for Paraguay to reach the last 16 with outsiders New Zealand to come on Thursday.
Loading ...