By Hariharan
Match Review
South Africa, Tuesday, June 16, 2010 — There was late drama at Rustenburg as New Zealand scored the equalizing goal right at the death to draw 1-1 with Slovakia in Day Five of the World Cup.
Group F minnows New Zealand and Slovakia locked horns as both teams tried to capitalise on the draw between Italy and Paraguay the day before.
The first half offered much attacking action from both teams. New Zealand looked more of a threat from set pieces, while Slovakia’s slick passing movement in open play kept the Kiwis’ defense on their toes.
The first goal came from Slovakia four minutes into the second half. Stanislav Sestak crossed the ball into the box from the right after he was released by Vladimir Weiss. Robert Vitteck did well to get behind Winston Reid and head the ball into the bottom left corner of goal.
New Zealand went in search of an equaliser after the goal, while Slovakia looked to punish them on the break with the usual suspects, Weiss, Sestak and Vittek leading the attacks.
For most of the second half, New Zealand tried keeping possession of the ball, but were ineffective in attack. The Slovakians spurned numerous chances on the counter.
The Slovakians were duly punished in the 93rd minute when Shane Smeltz turned his marker at the edge of the Slovakian area and delivered an in-swinging cross into the box from the left. Reid rose above the Slovakian defence to head the ball into the bottom right corner of goal.
It was heartbreak for the Slovakians who thought they had the game sewn up and had to settle for one point against the All Whites who showed true character. The result leaves Group F all square with all four teams locked on a point each.
| GROUP F | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PARAGUAY  | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 5 |
SLOVAKIA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
NEW ZEALAND  | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
ITALY  | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 2 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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