2010 FIFA World Cup: New Zealand Slovakia Italian Media Comments

Italy 1 Paraguay 1

New Zealand 1 Slovakia

In Group F, we're back to where we started. All tied. All four teams have scored one goal apiece and all four teams have a point. The only thing that separates them is alphabetical order.

For me, this is memories of 1982 on two accounts:

(a) the All Whites of New Zealand only other appearance in the World Cup was at the Spanish finals

(b) in Spain, Italy were part of a group where all games but one ended in a draw.

Next round of fixtures see the Azzurri take on the All Whites and the Slovaks combat the Paraguayans.

For all you non-Italian speaking Kiwis here is a selection of commentary from various Italian newspapers.

La Gazzetta dell Sport

The Slovaks wait for the final whistle from the South African referee Jerome Damon. A little 'trot' to maintain their 1-0 lead over New Zealand. But on the 93rd minute there's a 'prank'. Winston Reid, schooled in Denmark but of Maori blood, lines a header and scores a draw.

A historic moment for Ricky Herbert's boys. This is the first point the All Whites have ever captured at a World Cup. After their first attempt in 1982, a year Italy praises.

The draw means all teams are even in Group F. Italy and Paraguay can sleep peacefully after their draw. The two teams would have been busy making observations of today's clash.

The New Zealanders, who are not the All Blacks, but like the Maori fought until the end.