World Cup 2010 Results: Day 5

Group F

         New Zealand   1-1   Slovakia

The 12:30 kick-off threw up another disappointing game in a half-empty stadium in Rustenburg. Slovakia looked to be on course for their first World Cup win as an independent state, but the All Whites rallied late to earn a first of their own-a World Cup point.

The game followed the general pattern of the tournament so far. Both sides were tentative, nervous and lacking in any attacking purpose.

The New Zealanders had a bright if not simplistic start. Aerial assault of the Slovakian penalty area was their only ploy, which nearly paid dividends early. But their storm was generally easily weathered throughout the match.

Slovakia wasn't any better. Their much lauded captain, Marek Hamsik, disappointed throughout, as did most of his teammates. The one shining light was Vladimir Weiss, Manchester City midfielder and son of the manager, Vladimir senior. Weiss displayed quick feet and movement. If the Slovaks had produced anything, he would have been involved. 

Slovakia missed the play of youngster Miroslav Stoch, who's game is of the same mold as Weiss's. The newly signed Fenerbache inspired Twente to the title in Holland. His dribbling skills could have made a difference. 

In the second half, Slovakia started to take some control with a goal by Vittek. The bald man took his header beautifully, which really should have been enough to win the game and put the Europeans on top of Group F with trickier games ahead.

The all Whites threw everything they had at the opposition in the dying minutes. Shane Schmeltz showed great poise and precision to put the ball on the head of a delighted Winston Reid for the equalizer.

This may be as good as it gets for Ricki Herbert's team, but for Slovakia it was an opportunity lost. If Italy and Paraguay beat them, they'll remember this as the moment their World Cup ambitions were dashed. 

Judging from the performances of both these teams today, neither of them should have enough to threaten any of the other group members anyway.      

Group G

         Ivory Coast   0-0   Portugal

The meeting of Cote d'Ivoire and Portugal in Port Elizabeth was considered to be one of the glamour ties of the opening round. Even so, once again in South Africa, a game failed to live up to expectations. 

In the first 45 minutes, the closest anybody came to breaking the deadlock was Cristiano Ronaldo. His long range effort dipped and swerved before hitting a post. After that, the game became sloppy and uneventful. If anything, the Elephants showed the greater purpose going forward, while the Portuguese became unsurprisingly petulant and almost uninterested. 

Gervinho became the star of the game in the second period. The diminutive Lille striker with the Brazilian surname displayed pace and dedication in trying to get his country an opening victory. As the game wore on, the Ivorians looked more likely to achieve that feat. 

Ultimately, both teams settled for a draw, even with Didier Drogba on the pitch. On the last second corner, the elephants chose to take it short and end the game rather than ping it into the box-something they might come to regret.  

Portugal was a disappointment. Their two-year problem of not being able to score has not been solved by the lightweight Liedson, who barely touched the ball up front. Danny failed to shine in midfield, Deco didn't want to be there, and the Nani issue looks to be hanging over the squad. The Ivory Coast missed a big chance to end Portugal's tournament early on.

Qualification may now come down to goal difference between the teams, meaning whoever can lose by the least against Brazil, or win by the most against North Korea, who themselves will be no push over.

        Brazil   2-1   North Korea

The North Koreans shocked the world by running the five-time champions so close in Ellis Park, the scene of Brazil's Confederations Cup victory last summer.

The first half was either another boring 45 minutes of World Cup football or a lesson in the timeless art of defending. The Koreans showcased their organizational qualities and probably the best defensive performance of these finals. The pregame predictions that they would fold like origamis was quickly discarded.

Not only were they defensively adept, but Jong Tae-Se aka the North Korean Wayne Rooney, was proving to be a half decent player after all as the Selecao couldn't get anything going.

At half time, the favorites would have been happy to escape from Johannesburg with a 1-0 win; they looked mostly lethargic opening period. Fortunately, they picked things up in the second half. The spark the world was waiting for finally arrived via Elano and Maicon a few minutes in.

Maican's shot, or cross, rocketed into the net from the tightest of angles, taking the Korean keeper by surprise. The Inter right back looked close to tears as he fell to the floor in celebration. Maican's reaction summed up what it means to represent the beautiful game's and its most treasured gifts.

With the pressure mounting, Robinho, who clearly takes more pride in his national canary yellow shirt than he does in the blue of Manchester City, slid a pass through to an overlapping Elano who side footed effortlessly. Goal.

On both strikes, Brazil appeared to be going nowhere. Their so dangerous because they can strike from anywhere at any moment. Movement and nifty passing resulted in two goals that other teams could only dream of scoring. 

North Korea played hard and even scored a goal of their own late. That alone should give them confidence in their final games, and consider them as potential fillers of that second spot in Group G. With Portugal and Ivory Coast struggling to score goals, what seemed impossible may not be so unlikely after all.

As for Brazil, they still must play better, particularly Luis Fabiano and Kaka.