Champions Italy exited in humiliating fashion due to the absence of characteristics which historically set the Azzurri apart from opponents, particularly the defensive prowess the great Italian sides possessed. When Italian teams in previous tournaments conceded goals, they were not due to lackadaisical marking and miscommunication which were evident in the goals conceded by the four-time winners in this World Cup. Italy shockingly conc...More

The New Zealand fairytale carries on as the country continues to celebrate the greatest result in their football history for the second time in a week. Having held reigning world champions Italy to an astonishing 1-1 draw against all expectations, Ricki Herbert’s All Whites truly are the surprise package of the tournament. The Kiwi’s have yet to lose a game in their group – which is remarkable for a squad featuring just one Premiers...More

As results go, the Kiwi fruit of a point against the world champions defies logic, and serves as a reminder of what an unpredictable game this is. It may also placate some of the ill-feeling from England fans towards their illustrious and well-rewarded players to know that they are far from alone in terms of unexpectedly poor results. So how did this happen? And how did the shape and structure of the two sides conspire to produce this a...More

Day 10 of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa saw South American sides continue their domination of the tournament so far as both Paraguay and Brazil recorded comfortable victories which should see them through to the last 16. Reigning champions Italy looked far from comfortable against underdogs New Zealand who for the second game running defied the odds to record a memorable draw. SLOVAKIA 0 PARAGUAY 2 Vera 27, Riveros 86 Par...More

Just two days remaining of the second round of group games and the pressure, as we’ve seen over the past few days, is really starting to tell. Next to enter the World Cup pressure cooker are Slovakia, who meet Paraguay in the first game. The afternoon fixture sees Italy tackle New Zealand while the return of the Brazilian’s in the evening is likely to be overshadowed by the true arrival of Didier Drogba in this year’s tournament, as I...More

New Zealand’s preparation ahead of their second World Cup group game against Italy has been typically low-key. Despite facing the reigning world champions on the back of what has to be considered the best result in his nation’s history, the 1-1 draw with Slovakia, Coach Ricki Herbert has been commendably calm and realistic about his side’s prospects. It is clear that nobody in the Kiwi’s camp is getting carried away by their progres...More