Italy Suffer Slovakian Shock

Australian fans are rejoicing after Slovakia produced one of the biggest World Cup shocks in defeating reigning Champions Italy 3-2 in a World Cup classic. The result means Italy will not even make it past the Group Stage in the World Cup they were trying to defend. Also, New Zealand’s goalless draw with Paraguay means that embarrassingly for the Italians, they finish last with a meager two points and failing to register a win.

Some are touting it as the greatest choke in World Cup history and no doubt the Azzurri will be facing questions upon questions on their return to Italy.

The impressive Robert Vittek opened the scoring after 25 minutes as Slovakia went into half time. Amazingly Vittek doubled his goal tally to send the Italian fans at Johannesburg into shock, if they weren’t already.

But, when Di Natale got a goal back with nine minutes remaining, Italy started to regain self belief.

However, after constant pressure, the Italians were caught out from a throw in which allowed Kopunek to sneak in behind the defence and score with his first touch after coming of the bench. It sparked raptures on the bench as Slovakia looked to have sealed the game.

However, the Azzurri were not willing to die just yet. When Quagliarella picked up the ball just outside the area, he produced a sublime chip to bring it back to 3-2 with only minutes remaining.

Slovakia gave the Italians a dose of their own medicine, constantly play-acting in stoppage time and it was clearly angering the Italians.

Then with last opportunity for Italy a long throw  into the box was met by an unmarked Pepe at the far post who screwed his shot wide, a chance where he really should have scored.

One assumes that will be it for Marcello Lippi, forever. Many of the Italians would have played their last World Cup game and one might argue that the like of Cannavaro and Pirlo deserved a much better note to go out on.

But the Slovak’s will not be complaining they qualify for the Round of 16 with Paraguay when they really looked like they would finish last before this game. They now have a probable meeting with the Dutch, but after some of the results in what is being dubbed as the ‘World Cup of Upsets’, you never know what could happen.

–

Play Every Minute!