With Paraguay winning Sunday's early match, the Group F game between New Zealand and Italy (10am, ESPN) has become that much more critical in terms of keeping pace with the South Americans in the hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
Italy is the heavy favorite in the match, but stalwart goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is out injured, leaving the reigning World Cup champions with inexperienced Federico Marchetti in goal.
Lightweight New Zealand is coming off a surprise draw, and will need a second consecutive match of disciplined defending and opportunistic offense to give it the best shot of getting a result.
If you'll be watching the match, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the match.
Anyone notice that Italy has to cheat their way into a tie against New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND!
Yeah. I was shocked by that. DeRossi didn’t do jack except dive and draw a penalty. Also, I think Wilson Reid has been excellent for them. He has been great defensively and good in the box on set pieces.
I’ll judge anyone who is sexually involved with the under-aged, thank you. Nothing a person can do on the pitch can make up for such a reprehensible and indefensible act off the pitch.
The Kiwis are a pleasant surprise. Everyone thought that they would be an easy win, but they have proven that they deserved their spot. Italy is clearly missing a good striker. They have plenty of divers.
Yes it is. We are on a 3 game skid, possibly because he has been gone.
What a performance by Ryan Nelsen, one of the best of the tournament. If I were a DC United fan, that would be the highlight of a wretched year so far.
Totally entertained by Bob Ley and Ginger Lalas’ sarcasm with DeRossi winning Man of the Match.
After watching this game, I now know why people say the Italians are famous for diving.
1- Paraguay: 4 points (goals:3-1)
2- Italy: 2 (2-2)
3- New Zealand: 2 (2-2)
4- Slovakia: 1 (1-3)
Next games:
Italy vs. Slovakia
Paraguay vs. New Zealand
All teams still have a chance to go through.
It’s not the first time that Italy started with poor results and finished strong. In the 1982 cup, they drew the 3 group games and ended up with the title. Don’t count them out.
Says Bob Kostas “The flightless bird, the Kiwi, has taken flight.”
I second that motion. Can I hear a third?
Slovakia and Paraguay to go through.
All-Whites! New Zealand!
Azzuri, go home!
That’s it, New Zealand TIES Italy.
Now come on Slovakia, take care of these divers come Thursday.
NZ should have won…Italian cheaters
Ian Darke, pure class.
He’s been a treat to listen to all World Cup, great chemistry with his color commentators, too.
Awesome. Great job New Zealand!
YES!!!!!!
SCREW YOU ITALY
Blow the whistle!!
Kudos.
Judge a player on his football not his personal life. Just saying.
The 4th official just spotted a foul on the substitution.
Can’t Andrew Boyens get a little run??
“Mess with the toilet, and you mess with the Potty. -Future quote from John Harkes”
4 minutes!? Why not 5 and make it a complete joke.
I want that Kiwi suit. That was awesome.
Very well put. We’ll call that exception number 2: body paint may be worn, but only as a substitute for clothing.
4′??? Are you kidding?