FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 14 (24 June 2010)

SLOVAKIA 3 - ITALY 2

NEW ZEALAND 0 - PARAGUAY 0

GROUP F:
Forget North Korea 1966, South Korea 2002, Slovakia 2010 will be remembered as the biggest humiliation of the fabled Azzuri. The World Champions of 2006 have been ignominiously dumped out of the World Cup, finishing bottom of their group behind the likes of minnows New Zealand, Slovakia and Paraguay. Defensive lapses resulted in ALL three Slovakian goals, the last seeing sub Kamil Kopunek ghosting in from a throw-in to lob the ball over the hapless Marchetti. Marchetti is without a doubt Italy's Bonetti. Marcello Lippi and gang go home to another rotten tomato reception. The Kiwis, undefeated in this campaign have a lot to be proud about. Rating: 4.5/5

JAPAN 3 - DENMARK 1

HOLLAND 2 - CAMEROON 1

GROUP E:
Another shock, the Japanese down the Danes with two Braziliant free-kicks from Honda and Endo. Rivelino and Roberto Carlos would have been mighty proud. There will be no comeback for Jon Dahl Tomasson and company, who were brilliant against Cameroon but were overwhelmed by Japan's incessant attacks which resembled a raid on Pearl Harbour. Holland were efficient, with Cameroon and Samuel Eto'o disappointing greatly yet again. They will be the only African team that go hone with zero points. Rating: 4/5

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 9 (19 June 2010)

NETHERLANDS 1 - JAPAN 0

The Dutch do it again, without too much flair. Japan are the next victims to the accursed Jabulani ball, with goalkeeper Kawashima making a hash of Wesley Sneijder's stinger. The Oranje go through, while Japan needs to beat the Danes next.

AUSTRALIA 1 - GHANA 1

The Ozzies have another man sent off - this time its Harry Kewell for an unintentional handball. They gain a handy single point whilst the Black Stars cannot finish them off. An unlikely win was even possible, but Luke Wilkshire shot straight into the Ghana's Kingson. Australia aren't out of it yet. Rating: 3.5/5

DENMARK 2 - CAMEROON 1

Like Nigeria before them, Cameroon blow a one goal lead and look likely to be eliminated. Very good goals from Bendtner and Rommedahl make the difference, while Eto'o's miss thanks to the crossbar looks very costly now. Rating: 3.5/5

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 4 (14 June 2010)

NETHERLANDS 2 - DENMARK 0

Missed this as I had opted to watch The Karate Kid with my son instead. No big loss and it wasn't the biggest of surprises. An own goal and Kuyt strike after some a good run by debutant Elia. Holland should top this group unless Japan and Cameroon can change things. Rating: N.A.

JAPAN 1 - CAMEROON 0

Cameroon were disappointing, with Samuel Et'oo employed out of position. Japanese defence was solid, and capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the only goal from Honda. Predictable headlines expected, so I'll add my own "HONDA MOTORS JAPAN TO THREE POINTS". Let's see what they can do against in Dutch. Rating: 3/5

ITALY 1 - PARAGUAY 1

World Champions my foot! The Azzuri are just not good enough to retain the Cup. Paraguay scored first and hung on till De Rossi's equaliser. Both goals came from set-pieces. New Zealand or Slovakia might just go top of this group. Rating: 2.5/5