2010 World Cup: New Zealand v Slovakia half time report
New Zealand 0 Slovakia 0
A disjointed performance from Slovakia saw them fail to score against rank outsiders New Zealand in another cagey World Cup opener.
The All Whites started confidently, exploiting the flanks and sending in several dangerous balls. Chris Killen had the best chances of the opening stages, but could only head straight at Jan Mucha from close range.
Slovakia head coach Vladimir Weiss’ side were slow out of the traps and he was left to rely on his son, also named Vladimir, to finally spark some life into their attack.
The Manchester City midfielder has been bright and busy throughout the first half, creating chances for both Marek Hamsik and Stanislav Sestak. The 22-year-old could well hold the key to unlocking the All Whites’ defence in the second half.
A horror moment from New Zealand’s goalkeeper, Mark Paston, very nearly allowed Robert Vittek to score. The 33-year-old swung a boot to clear upfield, but contrived to miss the ball entirely. Fortunately for Ricki Herbert’s side, Paston’s mistake went unpunished. Although the keeper once again gave his side a scare before half-time with another lapse in concentration.
Hamsik, who many had expected to take this match by the scruff of the neck, has yet to shine. However, a good effort towards the end of the first half could well have been a sign that he’s ready to arrive at the World Cup.
So far so good for New Zealand, then. But Slovakia will be looking to produce a marked improvement over the next 45 minutes.
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