Match 12: New Zealand - Slovakia PBP [R] 6/15/10

I just wanted to pass by and say that I've enjoyed what I've seen in this game so far, what with both teams setting out to attack and win the game. I'm glad Jamie Trecker warned me not to bother with it, just like he suggested sleeping through South Korea's eventual clinic against Greece. Dumbass

46' 0-0 Slovakia get a free kick and some possession, and New Zealand have switched to full bunker mode to kill off the 1st half ...

even if there's a first goal, I still think the team that would be down wouldn't cave in like Greece did. Not too bad a first half.

I am pleasantly surprised by New Zealand so far, who have actually played at least as well if not better than Slovakia. This World Cup is making me think that UEFA has declined considerably relative to other confederations and their quota should be reduced by at least 2-3 teams.

It's more likely that everyone else has improved rather than UEFA declined but the early results support your theory. Apart from Germany, a lot of the European teams have done poorly against other confederations (France, Slovenia, England, Serbia, Slovakia, Greece have all struggled to say the least).

Agree, I actually think one goal may trigger a goal rush by both sides, lord knows we need it, hasn't been one game where both teams have scored more than once so far.

oh no? well, it's u-17 I admit

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOTyoQjQXRs"]YouTube- Haka NZU17 Soccer team[/ame]


and this, the NZ basketball team even got into the act

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntXXP25McMA&feature=related"]YouTube- Haka Dance - New Zealand Vs Greece[/ame]


and even stranger, the NZ hockey team:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SePqdtag2Ss&feature=related"]YouTube- Ice Blacks, Haka[/ame]

Chance For Slovakia by Hamsik Min.43
Click Here for Video

Maybe it's the jabulani ball

I agree, the gap between Europe and the rest of the world has gotten much much closer.

Goal, Slovakia

It was inevitable.

positioning and finishing.

Gooooooooooool de Slovakia!

A rarity so far...a great finish there.

49' 0-0 New Zealand's midfield has shown a bit of trouble spotting high balls in the afternoon sun, leading to some tentative play.

50' 0-1 #7 Vladimir Weiss crosses from 25m box top right to 14m center, barely clears two leaping defenders' flat tops, #11 Robert Vittek heads down just inside the left post. Replay shows Vittek's foot was onside, but most of his body mass was off ...

yeah but looked offside to me...

Hint of offside though

Yeah, it did. First dubious offside decision of the tournament? I'm pretty sure there hadn't been any goals allowed that shouldn't have been. Probably a few plays stopped that shouldn't have been, but I think most wouldn't have resulted in goals.

nah it was the vevuzelas and the new ball....

Wait...did the Kiwis just not know that they're supposed to give the ball back after it got cleared for an injury?

It seems FIFA hates the teams in the South Pacific. 2 bad calls for Australia now a bad call for New Zealand.