Group F - Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

[Matteh]

Cracking game by the Kiwis and in particular Ryan Nelsen. Snuffed out nearly all Italy threw at them, few inches of a Wood shot and a different referee being lighter on shirt pulling away from a huge huge win.

Easily the game I've been most involved with so far in this WC.

 

[Athlai]

According to Fifa Elliott ran 10.99 km this game. Was EVERYWHERE in this game.

Paston have my ****ing babies.

 

[99*]

So proud.

Yep, withstood so much, even from a team not so good at attack, they had more than enough chances/possession to put us away many times over.

And best of all, we control our fate, win and we're in.

 

[Meridio]

Thought we had a good second half overall actually. And thought Italy fell off the pace a bit. Probably were overawed by our awesomeness.

 

[Bahnz]

It's official, we're the equal of the world champions

 

[BoyBrumby]

Huge effort from the men in white. Massive result for NZ.

Like the look of Wood very much. Old fashioned target man.

 

[Smudge]

Holy crap. Just woke up. What an effort. What do we do now though, with Moss available again, after Paston has pulled this one from deep within the recessess of his ass?

 

[Meridio]

Holy crap. Just woke up. What an effort. What do we do now though, with Moss available again, after Paston has pulled this one from deep within the recessess of his ass?

Was my exact thought just now actually. Reckon Moss is a better keeper - fantastic shot stopper - but don't think you can drop Paston after today.

 

[silentstriker]

You can't possibly drop the goalkeeper after that performance. That would be beyond ridiculous - it's like being dropped after a double century.

 

[straw man]

OMFG, I doubt we will ever match the performance of this All Whites team in my lifetime. Brilliant guts and determination.

On another note, **** I just cannot stand Italy. Would love to see someone poleaxe De Rossi in particular. Referee also completely one-eyed but that's to be expected when we're playing a diving theatrical Mediterranean team.

 

[silentstriker]

Italy is now my #1 hated team...what a bunch of crying pansies. They were clearly more skilled but the theatrics were so disturbing...clutching their face every time a NZ defender came within a zipcode.

 

[99*]

Friday can't come quick enough imo.

 

[Athlai]

Unbeilable result. Don't give a **** that my bets went awry (besides Smeltz) it was ****ing worth it.

 

[andyc]

**** yeah NZ! Loved every minute of that. Paston did a great job and the NZ defence as a whole was immense. Telling that Italy had so many corners but hardly created any real chances out of them, NZ were just shutting them down really well. Would've loved for that NZ shot to go in as well. So, so close.

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Amazing result. Pure guts from the kiwis.

 

[_Ed_]

Haha, so many NZers online at 4:20am.

 

[Somerset]

AMAZING...the draw against Slovakia was sensational but to hold the defending champions to a 1-1 draw, thats just unbelievable!!! Wouldn't have believed the result if I hadn't watched it, makes staying up til 4am all the more worthwhile. Brilliant, go the All Whites!!!

 

[Somerset]

Italy is now my #1 hated team...what a bunch of crying pansies. They were clearly more skilled but the theatrics were so disturbing...clutching their face every time a NZ defender came within a zipcode.

Was pretty poor at times IMO, its a shame the referee didn't let the play continue when there was clearly a fair contest for the ball and a theatric from the Italians - the dive that got them awarded a penalty would've scored well off the high board at the Olympics. Either way, makes the draw all the more memorable given every second aerial ball in the Italian half seemed to result in a free kick.

 

[Somerset]

Holy crap. Just woke up. What an effort. What do we do now though, with Moss available again, after Paston has pulled this one from deep within the recessess of his ass?

Paston's been unreal, the penalty save against Bahrain, some great saves against Slovakia and some even better ones tonight - in fact, he was outstanding tonight. Got to be Paston for Paraguay.

I think probably a better selection question would be what do if Tim Brown's fit to play on Friday - does he replace Vicelich, who I thought was superb.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

**** yeah!

No one can say we don't belong now.