Just as most viewers were convinced this was going to be the dullest World Cup ever two sides won our affections, and the biggest dog of them all brought some flair to the competition. New Zealand bagged a late draw with Slovakia and had been plucky throughout. Their opposition, also untried, didn't live up to expectations bar one Premier League youngster. Highlight of the day, though, a stern North Korea giving the greatest footballing nation of all time a run for their money...New Zealand 1 Slovakia 1
Winston Reid’s late equaliser for New Zealand livened this week up and has allowed them the Antipodean bragging rights (for now at least) following the Australian thrashing at the hands of Germany. Robert Vittek gave Slovakia the lead early in the second half but they failed to put the game to bed and could regret not taking full points in surely their easiest match in Group F. Anything from the next two games will be a bonus for the All Whites. (MM)
I actually quite enjoyed this fixture. New Zealand, to my surprise, weren't absolutely shite. Elliott delivered good balls into the box, their strikers put themselves about and they went out to win the game. Slovakia on the other hand, didn't attack with as much vigour as i'd hoped. Hamsik was very quiet, but Manchester City's seventh choice winger Vladimir Weiss looked like a world-beater.
Neither of these sides will qualify, but a point for New Zealand is a proud achievement, and bar goalie Patson, who was awful, they equipped themselves rather well. A good point for them, two dropped for a Slovak side who probably had to win to make the second stage. (DC)
Nice to see a little'un pull off an unexpected result but truth be told there wasn't much to excite here. Marek Hamsik won't be making multi-million pound moves anywhere based on this. (DK)
Ivory Coast 0 Portugal 0
Seriously, nothing. A large part of me died when the Ivory Coast took a short corner in injury time. Hope they both go out. (MM)
Pretty much the entire world thought this would be the best match of the group stage. It was fucking awful. Like watching Villa v Stoke. Nothing of note happened. Nothing. Credit to Gervinho on the greatest ever haircut in professional sport. Actually, something of note did happen - that. (DC)
Last gasp corner taken short. Sums this utter pile of shit up. (DK)
Brazil 2 North Korea 1
Great game. The North Koreans worked their socks off to stifle the Brazilians, while looking mildly dangerous with Jong Tae-se on the counter attack - a shock 0-0 at half time. A great goal from Maicon (he meant it) early in the second half settled Brazil and a classy second by Elano, from an excellent Robinho’s pass, sealed it. Despite tiring in the second half, North Korea got a late consolation that their performance merited and they could give Portugal and Ivory Coast more trouble than expected. (MM)
A proper World Cup game, this. North Korea pulled their bollocks up over their faces and went for it. Brazil couldn't get going first half, but Robinho was looking in the mood. The entire Korean back four was superb throughout, and the two centre-halves were especially strong first half. Forward, he of pre-match tears, Jong Tae-Se lead the line like a warrior, and no-one could say that all they did was park the bus.
Brazil were always going to break them down at some point, but i'm not sure Maicon's goal was intentional. Robinho's superb pass for the second certainly was, however, and they might've added more, but Korea's heads never dropped, and them bagging a goal themselves will remain one of my all-time favourite World Cup moments. If they play to that standard they could get something from both other group opponents. (DC)
The most entertaining two-sided affair in the cup up to this point. Almost a shame the BBC had to milk it for 'laughs'. Robinho looked like a man who'd never heard of an away day at Wigan or Hull. (DK)
Matt Morrison, Daniel Kelly, Dave Chisora
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