PARAGUAY 2 - SLOVAKIA 0Was at the Esplanade attending a violin recital, and thus missed this one totally. Looks like the South Americans have it all going for them. Paraguay cements its position in Group F and look likely to go through with a final match against New Zealand.
NEW ZEALAND 1 - ITALY 1
New Zealand holding Italy to a draw in football seems as unlikely as Italy trumping New Zealand in rugby. But it happened, with the Kiwis getting a shock lead and Italy fighting back. Honestly, it should have been 0-0. Shane Smeltz's goal was from an offside position and the Italian penalty converted by Iaquinta was for the slightest of shirt tugs. All Whites goalie Mark Paston stood as tall as Pat Jennings while skipper Ryan Nelsen was a proper Bobby Moore. The Italians champs, whose reign looks to be over soon, were chumps. Rating: 4/5
BRAZIL 3 - IVORY COAST 1Finally, the Brazil of vintage has come alive! This match had everything: scorchers of goals, missed chances and the inevitable red card. Luis Fabiano's second had shades of Maradona 1986, two handballs and a waltz through a sea of defenders before scoring. Kaka had two wonderful assists, before being sent off for tapping an Ivorian in the chest. How that Elephant collapsed, reminiscent of Rivaldo against Turkey in 2002. Refreshing to see Didier Drogba scoring, and still ending on the losing side. Rating: 4.5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment