Does anyone else have problems sleeping when they know there is a particular wake-up time? We've slept fitfully, but the appointed hour for the All Whites has almost arrived, the heater's on and the first cuppa has been made; it's time!
The laptop is at hand, so we'll be blogging our thoughts throughout the match; feel free to say gidday, and join in the discussion.
Bring it on!
UPDATES: The nervous first few minutes have passed, and thus far, the Paraguyans seem pretty subdued. Are they playing for a draw?
The Paraguyans are trying to get into the referee's head with Rory Fallon and his elbows. So far, the Japanese referee has been inscrutable!
It's 1-nil to Slovakia over Italy; that throws Group F wide open, and leaves the All Whites needing at least one goal. The matches are being played simultaneously.
Half-time, and it's still nil-all. The All Whites are right in this match, and they need a moment of magic now. The talking heads on Sky are surprised at how much Paraguay is sitting back. Two of Paraguay's key players have picked up yellow cards, and one of them (Caceres) will miss their next match. But the most significant thing from our point of view is this; the All Whites look as though they belong on the world stage, and that's fantastic!
That's the best All White attack; an interchange of passes between Lochhead and Elliott, but Elliott's shot is just wide - a good start to the second half though
Wood replaces Fallon, but we can't help but think that the All Whites need a bit more pace in midfield. Might McGlinchey be the man for the moment?
Slovakia leads Italy 2-zip! The World Champions are gone! A goal to the All Whites now, and incredibly, they can win Group F!!!
Ten minutes to go and Jeremy Brockie replaces Chris Killen. It has to be all-out attack now from the All Whites; nothing else matters...
FULL TIME: It's all over. New Zealand finish the group phase unbeaten, but one measly point short of qualifying for the round of 16. But #78 in the world finished ahead of #5 in the world, Italy.
It's been an incredible journey, and we're immensely proud of the All Whites. New Zealand football has arrived on the world stage; let's hope that unlike 1982, we can remain there.
Kia kaha All Whites - you have made a nation proud.
3 comments:
0-0 halftime is all good; we just need to sneak one in the 2nd half and it's hello second round.
If Solvakia/Italy stays 1-1 then this turns world football on its head as we go through and Italy don't!!
Did Italy equalise?
What chance of Paraguay "gifting" the All Whites a late goal to eliminate both the Euro teams if Italy trails?
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