Group F Discussion - Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia

[BuckyRover]

Roque must be so chuffed he went to City.

Doesn't make the Paraguay starting line-up apparently.

We should be delighted that he left. He did us a massive favour. We couldn't sustain 60k+ p/w wages with his awful injury record. I hold no malice toward him.

[herbergeehh]

I really hope Paraguay get the opening goal, if there is one, otherwise this could be a very dull game of football.

From an objective point of view, I see your point - Italy will try to kill the game off by keeping the ball and passing around Paraguay if possible. I can enjoy a bit of passing around though, so if it was up to me....

Now that you got your wish though - I think we will see Di Natale come on, possibly for Marchisio. Problem is, he hasn't played for Juventus, so Lippi won't play him... Only De Rossi, Montolivo and Gilardino has taken that challenge yet - hopefully both Di Natale, Palombo and Pazzini will.

Marchetti on now - at least he's not a Juve player.....

[BuckyRover]

Italy will have to improve pretty sharpish if they want to get anything out of this game.

[herbergeehh]

Di Natale the Capocannoniere is on - feeling confident.

[herbergeehh]

De Rossi is starting to take charge of the game, this is Italy's main man when Pirlo is out, definitely.. Might be his World Cup, if his team mates prove worthy too..

[Mr. E]

C'mon NZ! I hope our captain has a good game tomorrow. I can see them snatching a draw.

[Foxxx]

28 yrs to the exact day since our World Cup Finals debut, its been a very long time between drinks. Alot of nervous excitement around, and despite the freezing temps, and shocking weather, I am sure the big outdoor screen they have set up in here in Wellington will be packed.

NZ Football is riding a wave at the moment, and a win here would be immense for our local game.

Nelsen has 2 young centre backs besides him for tonight's game, so his leadership will be very important. Only 1 change from our starting line up that beat Serbia, Ivan Vicelich comming into the midfield.

New Zealand (3-4-3): Mark Paston, Winston Reid, Ryan Nelsen, Tommy Smith, Ivan Vicelich, Simon Elliott, Leo Bertos, Tony Lochhead, Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon, Chris Killen.

White is the new Black.

[dave birch]

Foxxx, I admire your optimism,but like mine with the Aussie team, it's a little overestimated.

Still, good luck in tonights game

[herbergeehh]

Slovakia is a decent team, but they are not impossible to beat for a physically strong NZ side. Hamsik, Weiss and Stoch are all exciting prospects, but they all have in common that if NZ play a tight defensive game, with an aggressive style, they might just be bullied out of the game. Here's to the Admiral keeping a clean sheet and heading home from a set piece.

[Foxxx]

Foxxx, I admire your optimism,but like mine with the Aussie team, it's a little overestimated.

Still, good luck in tonights game

We could be hammered, but who knows, thats part of the magic of the World Cup, anything can happen. There hasnt been an upset yet, no reason why we can't cause one

We have our best group of players we probably have had at one time, a good manager, and playing tactics that suit our players, this is our best chance to make NZ history. A point would be great, a win would be fantastic.

Ivan Vicelich will prob be the only currently amateur player to play the World Cup so far I would think.

[tcj_jones]

I'll be watching this game and will be routing for the Kiwis!

[Hughesy]

So glad the Italians failed to win - hate them with a passion. Their fans love themselves & their team is full of diving wimps.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Nelsen has 2 young centre backs besides him for tonight's game

Stop living in the future!

[alexanders]

I got my money on Slovakia winning by 1 goal and Hamsik scoring.

What a boring game.

[Tom]

So glad the Italians failed to win - hate them with a passion. Their fans love themselves & their team is full of diving wimps.

All Italians love themselves now?

I'm hoping they improve as my wifes half Italian but it's not looking great for them

[neekoy]

What an excellent half, kiwi's playing out of their skin and Slovaks are lost on ideas.

Disagree that it is boring, NZ are playing three up front and the slovaks have a very different style, I am liking it. Actually looks like a Premier League game.

We have to remember that only the Admiral plays in a top league, there rest are made up of, lower english leagues, out of contract, A league or local NZ players.

I have Hamsik in my fantasy team so heres to a few later.

[Commondore]

Quiet game so far, looking very much like a friendly. Must say I'm impressed with the way NZ keep the ball on the ground, no extreme hoofing and some pretty good crosses.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

It will be interesting to see what tactics NZ will use now they're a goal down. Slovakia look to be in control but if NZ can keep them out for another 15 minutes then I can imagine them to try and push up more and go for an equaliser.

Hamsik has looked pretty disappointing today. I was expecting him to be the key man today but he's gone missing so far.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Great defending by Winston Reid. He's played well today. Wouldn't look out of place in a good Championship team. Definitely has a bright future in the game.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Late equaliser for NZ!

[Majiball]

OMG.

Thanks Winston you just cost me money!!!

[alexanders]

OMG.

Thanks Winston you just cost me money!!!

Same here.

[neekoy]

That is what the World Cup is all about, good on the kiwi's!

[BuckyRover]

Winston Reid, sign him up!

[Mr. E]

Not many chances but great draw for NZ.