2010 World Cup: New Zealand v Slovakia full time report
New Zealand 1 Slovakia 1
Rank outsiders New Zealand sealed their first ever World Cup point in dramatic fashion with a last-gasp equaliser from defender Winston Reid against the much-fancied Slovakia.
Robert Vittek’s header five minutes after half-time had given Vladimir Weiss’ the lead, but Reid popped up deep into added time to send the All Whites’ supporters into raptures.
New Zealand started confidently and enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges. Chris Killen had the first clear cut chance in the 4th minute when his header landed comfortably into the arms of Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha.
Both sides found opportunities to score hard to come by over the course of the 90 minutes. Neither team dominated during another tight, tense and cagey opening half of this World Cup finals.
However, Slovakia, who were expected to win this match at a canter, were slow out of the blocks and struggled to make an early impact. The coach’s son, also named Vladimir, was by far the European’s most dangerous outlet. Busy and bright throughout the first half, the 22-year-old Manchester City midfielder created chances for both Marek Hamsik and Stanislav Sestak.
But for all his hard work and endeavour, Weiss’ side went into the interval without a goal to their name.
Following an impressive first half, New Zealand’s stern defence was eventually breached five minutes after the break when Stanislav Sestak’s whipped in ball was headed into the far corner of Mark Paston’s goal by Vittek.
Despite replays hinting there’d been suspicions of offside, the All Whites’ defenders didn’t protest, even though their hard work from the opening 45 minutes had been undone. An uphill struggle now beckoned.
After regaining their composure following the goal, New Zealand began to pass the ball around confidently once more; but lacked the cutting edge and quality to seriously test Mucha.
Slovakia, meanwhile, appeared willing to let their opponents keep the ball. And 20 minutes before full-time, their patience nearly paid off. An incisive counter-attack almost led to Weiss’ side doubling their lead, but a fantastic tackle from the New Zealand’s hero, Reid, at the feet of Sestak averted the danger.
New Zealand then continued to find themselves on the ropes and were defending valiantly in a bid to prevent their opponents scoring a second goal.
However, in the final 10 minutes, the tables had turned. The All Whites managed to find some energy in reserve then went in search for an equaliser and came agonisingly close through Shane Smeltz. Another fine delivery from Tony Lochhead on the left-flank found the 28-year-old striker, but his misguided header was miles off target.
It seemed for all the world that Smeltz had just wasted New Zealand’s best chance to rescue something from the match.
As the clock ticked down and three-minutes of injury time were signaled, Slovakia were camped back in their 18-yard box, soaking up the pressure.
And with just seconds left, Smeltz, the man who’d just wasted the All Whites’ golden opportunity, sent in a dangerous ball from the left and Reid was there to rescue an historic point.
Jubilant scenes ensued from the New Zealand players, staff and crowd, in what is by far and away the most romantic story of the 2010 World Cup finals so far.
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