Kiwis defy the odds

In what has been the one of the shocks of World Cup 2010 so far, New Zealand scored a 93rd minute equaliser in their opening Group F match against Slovakia to nick a draw. The All Whites probably deserved the draw, they played above themselves and caused Slovakia problems from the off, before Winston Reid snuck in between the defence to score his late header. Slovakia did have the best chances and should of killed the game off before and will look at the game as three points dropped as they look to finish in the top two of the group. Their next game against Paraguay may prove decisive after the South Americans grabbed a draw in the other Group F match against reigning champions Italy.

New Zealand came out of the blocks fastest against Slovakia, with front men Rory Fallon and Chris Killen both causing the defence problems with their physical approach. For the Kiwi’s pressure they never really looked like scoring. The same has to be said of Slovakia, Ryan Nelsen’s defence looked strong and assured throughout the match, a couple of flappy moments from goalkeeper Mark Paston aside.

They will be looking to prove to World Cup Betting pundits that the Slovakia result wasn’t a freak when they line up in their next match against Italy in Nelspruit. They will need to up their performance even further against the Italians if they are avoid defeat. The Italians will be looking to bounce back from their poor performance against Paraguay with a comfortable victory over the Kiwi’s. Coach Ricki Herbert will be hoping his New Zealand team can pull off another shock and really shake up this World Cup.