Italy out of win held to draw 1-1 with Paraguay World Cup 2010

Italy went to World Cup at 2010 out of win to draw 1-1 with Paraguay opening the match  second half time equaliser by Daniele De Rossi after the South Americans had looked like pulling off a shock victory in their World Cup.

Alcaraz thumped in a header after 39 minutes after the World champions had begun their defence with a desperately flat Group F display in the pouring Cape Town rain. The Italians were slightly better in the second half, levelling after another goalkeeping blunder in the 63rd minute, but did precious little to change the pessimistic view of their fans and media who sent them to South Africa with a verdict of no chance.

 

Paraguay had beaten Brazil and Argentina in qualifying so had no need to be in fear of the holders but their dire World Cup record where they have not got past the second round in seven attempts, going out in the group stage four times, was always there in the background.

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi equalized from close range in the 63rd after a miscue by goalkeeper Justo Villar.Already without injured midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Italy’s fortunes took another hit when it lost perhaps

its most valuable player, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, after the first half. The 32 year old Buffon was removed due to a back injury, replaced by inexperienced backup Federico Marchetti.De Rossi made up for the opening goal, sliding in toredirect a corner kick from Simone Pepe. It was asolid start for the midfielder who was suspended for four games during Italy’s victorious 2006 run afterbloodying the face of U.S. forward Brian McBride with a sharp elbow.After a day of often intense rain, the match kicked off under a drizzle, leaving the field slippery. Temperatures stood at 46 degrees, but the swirlingwinds coming off the ocean made it feel colder.

 

Little was forthcoming but they levelled when Justo Villar flapped and missed a Simone Pepe corner and De Rossi stuck out a foot to steer the ball into the empty net from close range. Either side of the equaliser Paraguay could have had a second as Enrique Vera and substitute Jonathan Santana shot wide when well placed. Italy roused themselves in the last 10 minutes in search of a winner but stout defending saw Paraguay hold on for deserved point.

 

After De Rossi’s equalizer, Italy’s best chance for victory came in the 83rd with a long shot from Montolivo that Villar did well to push wide. Also showing off swift passing skills, Montolivo was an able substitute for Pirlo, who could be back as soon as the next match against New Zealand. With Pirlo clearly recovering, the bigger worry for Italy is Buffon’s status.

 

Japan win to beat a lacklustre Cameron 1-0 at World Cup 2010

Japan win to beat a lacklustre Cameroon 1-0 in the buildup to the tournament, The Japanese required first World Cup victory the foreign soil Monday when Keisuke Honda scored in the first half time in Group E of the World Cup 2010.

The Blue Samurai, struggling for goals in the run up to the tournament, took the lead in the 39th minute and held on for the remainder of the match despite increasing pressure from the African side in the second half.

Honda said, "I found a good position and the ball was very good, I just told myself to be calm to make it because recently we have missed good chances. So I wanted to make it absolute today."

Despite an attack led by Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon never really challenged Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima. The Africans struggled to possess the ball and generate any rhythm up front, and even when they put a few passes together, the buildup usually was wasted by poor crosses.

Cameroon coach Le Guen said, "We were too nervous in the first half. We lost many, many balls because we were nervous and that is why I am disappointed tonight,they were not playing to their best of their ability and we were not able to release our potential this evening, and that is really disappointing."

Japan came close to doubling their lead as time ran out, with substitute Shinji Okazaki,on for Matsui, hitting the post after a fierce shot by captain Makito Hasebe  was parried by Souleymanou. Earlier in cool conditions at the high attitude Free State stadium the crowd whipped up a lively atmosphere despite banks of empty white seats.Japan's goal came moments after Cameroon hit the first shot of the game on target, with Enoh hitting the ball straight at Kawashima.

Defender Stephane Mbia nearly tied it for Cameroon in the 87th minute, but his long drive hit the left post. Japan next face group favourites the Netherlands on Saturday after the Dutch earlier beat Denmark 2-0 in Johannesburg to take an early lead in Group E at World Cup 2010.