At the double... Vittek grabbed a brace in Slovakia's 3-2 win over Italy.

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.

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ITALY

Formation: 4-3-1-2

TAB Sportsbet: $13

The Coach: Marcello Lippi

His staunch and appeal has started to fade slowly after winning the Cup at the last time of asking. His somewhat arrogant loyalty to a wakening Juventus team has seen his popularity dip extremely after he was noted as a national hero when he won the Cup in 2006.

The Captain: Fabio Cannavaro

The rock at the heart of this Italian defence, Cannavaro, whilst strong and mentality apt, he is a shadow of the player he was in Germany. His composure and awareness in reading the game is still good though and he will need to find the glory-days form of 2006 if Italy are to retain the Cup.

Glory... Can Cannavaro defend the Cup as Captain?

The X-Factor: Alberto Gilardino

He was on the fringe in 06’, but now he is the focal point of the Italians offence. Coming of a decent season at Fiorentina, he will line up as a crucial player in 2010. He scored a bag of crucial goals in qualifying, and if he can have a good tournament in South Africa, don’t be surprised if the big clubs are calling.

The Flaw: Youth

When you look the through the squad that Italy will be taking to the Cup, whilst there are youngsters on the bench, the Italians will be looking at the likes of Cannavaro, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi, Zambrotta and Buffon to deliver them a successive World Cup. Whilst it’s worked in the past, the aforementioned are no longer at their peak and for many of them this could be their last chance.

The Verdict: Quarter Finals

You can never rule out Italy in any tournament. We saw what they could do against Australia with ten men in Germany and they will be chomping at the bit to get a chance to try and defend their title as World Champions. However, the question that looms is if that if the first eleven can’t do the job, who will?

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PARAGUAY

Formation: 4-3-3

TAB Sportsbet: $67

The Coach: Gerardo Martino

Martino, who made his name by winning the Paraguayan title with Club Libertad and Cerro Porteno, is a calm coach who has made Paraguay a fierce team in South America. Impressively, out of their four meetings with powerhouses Brazil and Argentina in qualifying, they only lost once.

The Captain: Denis Caniza

Mountain... Can Cardozo transfer club form for Paraguay?

After initially announcing the 2006 World Cup as his last, Caniza was persuaded to return for South Africa and in doing so claimed the title as first Paraguayan to play in four consecutive World Cups. His versatility has made him invaluable in the side playing in the centre or left of defence.

The X-Factor: Oscar Cardozo

With a nickname of ‘bambo tree’ because of his intimidating size, Cardozo doesn’t appear as a natural winger. But his deceptively quick pace out on the wing and stinging left foot has been on show for Benfica and look out for him in the Cup.

The Flaw: Midfield

Simply lacks any potency or creativity. The forward line has plenty of talent on offer; however, the crucial link between midfield and the forwards will be the important. If Paraguay can’t win the midfield they won’t be able to get far.

The Verdict: Round of 16

Paraguay surprised people in qualifying and now have a team who have matured into a strong side. They will play well when they’re not expected to win, but the real test will be beating opponents who they should do, and do so comfortably.

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NEW ZEALAND

Formation: 4-4-2

TAB Sportsbet: $751

The Coach: Ricki Herbert

Boss of the Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League, Herbert has won many admirers of late. His calm personality and ability to produce a first World Cup for NZ since 1982 proving his coaching is no fluke. He will be relishing the lack of pressure on his team as well.