New Zealand All Whites vs Slovakia: As it happened

 
Tony Tannous Columnist

By , 15 Jun 2010 Tony Tannous is a Roar Expert

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New Zealand's Shane Smeltz reacts during their friendly soccer match against Serbia in Klagenfurt, Austria, Saturday, May 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

New Zealand's Shane Smeltz reacts during their friendly soccer match against Serbia in Klagenfurt, Austria, Saturday, May 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

After the Socceroos’ humiliating hiding at the hands of Germany on Monday morning, attention now turns to the New Zealand All Whites, who make their first appearance at the World Cup in 28 years.

It will be against Slovakia, a nation making its first ever appearance at the World Cup, so it’s a coming out party for both nations, much as it was for Australia in 2006.

Both are undoubtedly keen to have fun and make an impression and, in a group also involving Italy and Paraguay, there will be a battle to see who goes through alongside the favoured Azzurri.

While the defending champions haven’t looked in great nick of late, one can never write them off. They find a way to get through, so the battle is to see who joins them.

While I’m expecting New Zealand, with Ryan Nelsen at the heart of the defence, to be more competitive than they were at last year’s Confederations Cup, for mine it will be a battle between Paraguay and Slovakia. My money’s on the Slovaks.

I’ve made no secret on my admiration for the Czech and Slovak football cultures on this and other forums, and it’s just been just brilliant seeing the likes of Sydney FC and now North Queensland Fury invest in football expertise from that part of the world.

They know their stuff, and our part of the football world has much to learn.

Naturally then I’m really looking forward to seeing a Slovak side full of quality little midfielders in Miroslav Stoch, Marek Hamsik and Vladimir Weiss, son of the manager with the same name.

Throw in mobile striker Stanislav Sestak and you have a dynamic team expected to move the Kiwis around. Slovakia will get on the front foot, get the ball down, and play. Can the Kiwis cope?

In physical terms, it will be a real David vs Goliath battle. The All Whites dish-up a more archaic brand of direct football, looking to hit the head of monster striker Rory Fallon and play off him.

Ricki Herbert’s men proved against the Socceroos and beyond, that it can be effective. Maybe for those not prepared for it. Knowing the Slovak’s, they will have done their homework.

To that end, a fit Martin Skrtel would help them deal with the likes of Fallon, Chris Killen and Shane Smeltz. It will be fascinating seeing if they can.

Join me here at 9.15pm EST for a running analysis of the game in the comments section below and be sure to share your thoughts before, during and after the game.

Follow Tony on Twitter @TonyTannousTRBA
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