Day 10 saw 3 matches:
Slovakia showed their inexperience in this match by putting up a substandard display that left most neutral spectators bored with the match. Paraguay, however, struck at critical times and took the match with them. Having drawn their opening match against the defending champions, Paraguay are now sitting pretty, at the top of Group F. Barring an exceptional shambolic performance against the Kiwis, the South Americans progress into the last 16 is virtually assured. They have a good shape about them and when Roque Santa Cruz recovers fully, their forward line will balance their rock-solid defence. Slovakia, on the other hand, will look to play for pride in their last match against the Italians, who are desperate to get 3 points under their belt. An amazing stat: Italy has not won a single match in 2010!
Well, well, well, the European super-powers are obviously gasping for breath. Shane Smeltz sent the Kiwis into dreamland when he slotted in from point-blank range, thanks to uncharacteristic bad defending by the Azzurri (especially El Capitano, Cannavaro) but their lead lasted all of 22 minutes. Tommy Smith was harshly adjudged to have pulled Daniele de Rossi's shirt in the box and while not exactly a clean challenge, de Rossi clearly bought it and did nothing to improve Italy's reputation in the dark arts. Despite that, the All Whites gave it all they got and almost escaped with 3 points when substitute Chris Wood missed an opportunity. Lippi's men are clearly missing some spark this time. Italy are fortunate to have been placed in an easy group and with Slovakia looking out of place, they will probably win their match against the debutants. Which, incredibly again, will be their first of 2010.
One of the genuine mouth-watering clashes of the tournament saw former Real Madrid teammates, Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane in the audience at the truly magnificent Soccer City stadium. And they probably were not disappointed, given the quality of the match: top-draw, with some sublime Brazilian skills matched by the Africans' drive, passion and lung-busting stamina. After a cagey opening, Luis Fabiano sped through the tiniest gap in the Ivorians defence and blasted home from a tight angle for his first goal, but his second was the one that set tongues wagging. At first glance, it looks like a marvelous solo effort but on close scrutiny, you can see that he uses his arm, not once, but twice when looping the ball over the shaky backline. The ref actually asks him if he used his arm for the goal but Fabiano pretends not to. The third was all Samba silk as Kaka rounded an erratic Kolo Toure before squaring the ball to Elano to sidefoot home. Shortly after, Elano limped off after a robust challenge while things got hot towards the fag end of the match, with several skirmishes peppering an otherwise good tempered match. Kaka was sent off for a farcical foul (shades of Rivaldo circa 2002 in Keita's Razzie-winning performance in clutching his face when Kaka blocked him in the chest). Drogba finally got on the scoring sheet but with this loss, the Elephants will need to win, and win big, against North Korea on 25 June.
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