But it won’t be an easy task for the All Whites, who face impressive group leader Paraguay, while Italy – equal on points and goal difference with New Zealand – face bottom of the group Slovakia.
Like the Socceroos’ Group D heading into this morning thrilling climax, all four teams in New Zealand’s Group F are still in with a chance of progressing, even the hitherto disappointing Slovaks, so expect more twists and turns.
To go through, the All Whites must match or better whatever the Italians do, with a draw possibly enough if the Italians are kept to a low-score by Slovakia. A win, and Ricki Herbert’s men can even top the group.
But the All Whites must first avoid defeat. Their aerial threat, physical presence, organisation and discipline has held them in good stead against more fancied opponents, first with their last gasp equaliser against Slovakia and their remarkable draw with defending champions Italy.
Confidence is justifiably high in the All Whites camp.
Can the fairytale story of the 2010 World Cup continue?
I’ll have all the running analysis and permutations LIVE here, in the comments section below, so join me from 11:45pm (EST) and be sure to share your thoughts before, during and after the game.
Derm
Roar Guru
Group F had the lowest amount of wins out of the 12 games for the pool stages, and the highest amount of draws. But they have the third highest amount of goals scored with 26 across their 12 games. Group A - 22 Group B - 34 Group C - 18 Group D - 24 Group E - 14 Group F - 26 Group G - 28 (after 2 games) Group H - 10 (after 2 games)
Tony Tannous
Expert
Thanks for joining this LIVE running analysis of the breathtaking climax to GROUP F. Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. The All Whites and the Socceroos are now both out, but as you've seen over the past few days, the drama at this World Cup has only just begun, so be sure to stay with The Roar as we take you all the way to Johannesburg on July 12.
katzilla
Roar Guru
Beyond expectations. We didn't excite or show the flair of the more skilled teams but what more could you ask for from a lesser team of grafters? Think herbert could have gone with the subs a bit earlier but I'm not going to complain. A good campaign and well done to the All Whites. Undefeated at the world cup is no mean feat for a team from little ol nz.
Tony Tannous
Expert
FULL TIME SUMMARY; Well done NZ. Ultimately a 0-0 draw wasn't enough, but it has been an incredible ride for the country and for the football world. Thankyou. In a very cagey and combative game, they were second best in midfield, and didnt sustain enough possession to create any chances. Paraguay were solid, if unspectacular, and the point was good enough for them to top the group. With Slovakia leading thoughout in Jo'burg, the onus was really on Ricki Herbert to take the initiaitive, but they couldn't wrestle control of the match, and they ultimately finished on 3 points, with 2 goals for and 2 goals against. BRILLIANT RESULTS really. Who would have given them a hope of doing that before the tournament? Maybe a point or two, but to draw all three games? Take a bow Herbert, take a bow Ryan Nelsen, simply immense!!! And what about Italy?? OUT!!! They threw everything at Slovakia in the final moments, but fell short this time, losing 3-2 to finish bottom of the group. Congratulations of course go the Slovakia, in their first World Cup, and celebrating in perfect style. In truth they were very disappointing in the opening two games, but what a day to turn it on!!!
Mega
Guest
Well done NZ! Finish above Italy just not enough.
Tony Tannous
Expert
Unbelievable DRAMA in Group F. Italy out. Slovakia, who came in with one point (bottom of the group) go though in second place behind Paraguay
Tony Tannous
Expert
FULL TIME at Ellis Park, Slovakia 3-2
Tony Tannous
Expert
96'; Pepe volleys wide, dramatic stuff, a draw will do for Italy. Into the 97th minute, meant to have four extra
Tony Tannous
Expert
95'; Italy need a goal, all men forward, Slovakia wasting time
Tony Tannous
Expert
FULL TIME, 0-0 here, now 3-2 to Slovakia in Jo'burg
Tony Tannous
Expert
92'; A draw will do for Paraguay, will give them 5 pts
Tony Tannous
Expert
90'; Italy's fate sealed. NZ the only ones who can deny Slovakia, but need a goal in the three minutes of added time.
Tony Tannous
Expert
90'; GOAL Slovakia, 3-1, Kopunek
Tony Tannous
Expert
Slovakia trying to hang on in Jo'burg, NZ desperate here.
Tony Tannous
Expert
87'; Drama everywhere, Italy have a goal ruled out for offisde, Wood almost gets on the end of a cross but is offside..
Tony Tannous
Expert
86'; Set piece for NZ defended well by Paraguay
Tony Tannous
Expert
The tension, the drama...Gotta love the World Cup
Tony Tannous
Expert
85'; Can Italy get out of jail?? Can the Kiwi score and go ahead of both Italy and Slovakia?
Tony Tannous
Expert
83'; Half chance in the air from Smeltz, wide
Tony Tannous
Expert
82'; GOAL Italy Di Natale, 2-1 Slovakia, Italy need a goal