Forever defensively brilliant, reigning world champions, oozing with talented players, managed by a highly regarded successful coach. Oh, and OUT of the 2010 World Cup, bottom of Group F and with only two points to show for their dismal efforts.
That’s Italy, ladies and gentleman, whose dream of retaining the World Cup is over thanks to a 3-2 defeat against Slovakia in their final group game. The match itself was a pulsating affair once things got going in which Slovakia took the lead through Vittek, finishing with aplomb after a terrible pass from Italian striker Di Natale.
Italy’s once unbeatable defence was opened up numerous times by the Slovakians throughout the match and Vittek scored again with 17 minutes to go, seemingly ending Italy’s hopes of remaining in the competition. The match was end to end as Italy had to come forward and score and the Slovak front men took full advantage of the gaps opening up, Hamsik crossing a cleared a corner for Vittek to grab his second of the game.
Far from folding though, Italy pressed for the two goals they would need to qualify. Italy coach Marcello Lippi had already made his three substitutes, bringing on Quagliarello, Maggio and the imperious but injured Andrea Pirlo. It seemed to be working as the Azzurri got one back through Di Natale from close range.
There were ugly scenes after, with both sides play acting and trying to deceive the referee, and clearly concentration slipped as Slovakia grabbed their third through Kopunek. Italy’s dream was over yet there was still time for Quagliarella to score Italy’s second two minutes into stoppage time and Pepe to scuff what would have been an undeserved equaliser.
Slovakia, then, qualify in second behind South Americans Paraguay, who played out a boring 0-0 draw against New Zealand. New Zealand had a chance to qualify themselves but never looked like troubling Paraguay at any point in the match.
Over in Group E the Dutch made it three out of three with a uncomfortable 2-1 victory over pointless Cameroon, the goals coming through Van Persie and Huntelaar either side of a Samuel Eto’o penalty. The African side had been enjoying much of the play until Van Persie’s opener.
The better match was between Japan and Denmark. Two stunning free kicks, which brought back memories of a fully fit and flying David Beckham, gave Japan a 2-0 lead after just 30 minutes. The first, from Honda, was actually more reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo as it soared over the wall and dipped quickly into the net. The second was curled beautifully around the wall and inside the post by Endo.
Denmark were looking dead and buried until Jon-Dahl Tomasson scored by following up his own poorly taken penalty. Japan weren’t about to be denied, however, and restored their two goal advantage through Okazaki with only three minutes left.
The result sent Japan through in second place behind the Dutch to face Paraguay, while the Netherlands square up against Italy’s conquerors Slovakia in the last 16.
