FIFA World Cup 2010 - Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay: Slovakia have been worse than England
This World Cup witnessed Slovakia being a part of their first international football tournament as an independent nation. So it was understandable that expectations were not very high. However, as they were pitted against Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand in Group F, the Slovaks had been very hopeful for a place in the round of 16.
Their interesting 1-1 draw with New Zealand in their opening match of the group was a huge disappointment for Vladimir Weis and his team as they were leading 1-0 until deep into injury time. Winston Reid's late, late equalizer must have been a dagger through the Slovaks' hearts as they dropped two points. Slovakia were probably not looking forward to their match against Paraguay but at the same time definitely worked harder as they wanted to reclaim a lead of some sorts. Paraguay are a much more experienced team and have taken part in international competitions before, but the Eastern European side do have quality players and this was a factor during the match.
Paraguay on the other hand took the lead against Italy in their opening game of Group F and defended well for a large portion of the match as they kept the Azzurri attackers away from the goal. However, they conceded the equalizer and had to settle for a point in the end. Nevertheless, with all four sides on a point each, it was indeed very interesting to watch Slovakia and Paraguay fight for the lead. It was inevitably Paraguay that moved to the top of Group F and appear well on course for World Cup progression after todays game in which they have beaten Slovakia 2-0.
The opening half of the game seemed to be under the control of the Albirroja, though only Enrique Vera could really get close enough to the net. Having done well to pick up a point against Italy in their opening game, Paraguay showed plenty of early intent to score. In the opening couple of minutes alone, the South Americans threatened the goal twice. Slovakia on the other hand was showing very little attacking intent, but their defense was excellent, allowing the Paraguayans slight glimpses of their target.
Before the first half of the game was up the South Americans, grabbed the lead, and they really deserved it. Barrios linked superbly with his team-mates at times, but his deft pass to Vera was met by an equally astute finish from the midfielder, who timed his run superbly before bending the ball round Mucha with the outside of his boot under intense pressure. After breaking the deadlock, the Paraguayan defense really started having to work for their lead.
There was a shift of emphasis on the Slovakian game after the interval though. With only Italy left to play in this section, three points were vital in this game and their more attacking second half stance reflected their knowledge of this fact. Indeed, neither goalkeeper was remotely threatened in the opening 15 minutes of the second period as the Europeans were pressing their opponents far more effectively, causing disruption in the centre of the park.
Surprisingly though the first real chance of a stodgy second half didn’t quite arrive until the 71st minute. A neat one-touch interchange down the Paraguayan left resulted in Santa Cruz speeding down the left touchline, from where he centered to Vera. Seeking his second goal, the midfielder headed downwards just painfully past the left hand post of Mucha’s goal.
With five minutes remaining, Paraguay locked down the three points. A free kick to the back post left the Slovakia defense scrambling, and when the ball broke to Riveros at the edge of the box, he drove firmly home. A fully-deserved win for Paraguay, who goes top of Group F with four points from two games, Slovakia on the other hand looked short of ideas and has to beat Italy to have any chance of making the last 16.
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