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.
AGO74
Guest
Congrats to NZ. Bit of justice for them after Slovakia's goal. Vittek had half an ankle onside at best.
dasilva
Guest
Well done New Zealand You may end up getting more points than the Socceroos this world cup
Sam G
Guest
How do you like that David from the 1st page of comments!? 3-0 to Slovakia huh? Well done Kiwis you have done amazing
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Absolutely fantastic finish.
DavidF
Guest
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT
Tony Tannous
Expert
Thanks for joining me for this live analysis of the All Whites' opening Group F clash with Slovakia, a wonderful result for NZ. Join me again tomorrow for a Live Q & A where we'll run to rule over the Socceroos, the All Whites and all things World Cup
et
Guest
They just battled and battled right to the end, I have never been prouder - feels like we just won the world cup as far as I am concerned
Tony Tannous
Expert
No doubt it's party time across the ditch. It's 1.30am in NZ but the place should be going off. Enjoy it, brings back memories of Germany for us Aussies.
katzilla
Roar Guru
Owned
Tony Tannous
Expert
FULL-TIME SUMMARY; for much of the second half it didn't look like NZ had enough options to threaten Slovakia, but I was surprised they didn't go direct a little early. In the end Skrtel and Durica were struggling to deal with the aerial assault from the flanks, and most of the damage was done down the left side, where Lochhead was influential. Smeltz missed one golden chance in the 88th minute, heading wide. In the end it was a cross from the left, from Smeltz, which gave NZ their equaliser, and it was Reid inside the box. Ironically, it was Reid who was a metre or so behind Vittek for Slovakia's goal, and if indeed Vittek was offside for the Slovak goal, and it looked marginal, then it was justice. Brilliant result for NZ, even if it wasn't a brilliant game or a brilliant performance from either side. Slovakia will be guttered. Not only did they have the lead, but Vittek was denied a second goal by a great last ditched (pardon the pun) challenge by Reid, that man again. He was at the centre of everything
Al
Guest
So bloody proud of the boys from across the ditch, they never gave up even after falling behind. Well done to Herbert, made the right substitutions and got the absolute best out of his team. Australia take note of how it should be done.
Paul Williams
Guest
where's the naysayers now. kiwis pull it back for a draw on the whistle, deadset bloody glorious... best of luck for the roos against ghana - we anzac must stick together!
DaniE
Guest
Nuuuuuu Zealannnnnnnnd!!!!!!!!!!!
Tony Tannous
Expert
FULL-TIME, 1-1, Remarkably a first ever point at the World Cup for NZ, terrific cross from Smeltz and lovely finish from Reid.
Farqwar
Guest
Well done Kiwis!
James
Guest
Brilliant result!
Al
Guest
Last second of injury time!!!! Beautiful header!!
Tony Tannous
Expert
Incredible, Winston Reid, the bloke who gave away the goal at the other end, pops up to shatter Slovakia.
Farqwar
Guest
GTFO!!!!!!!!!
Tony Tannous
Expert
92': GOAL NZ 1-1