AW v Slovakia Tue 15th 11:30p (SS2, TV1)

http://www.vuvuzela.fm/

I'm a bit gutted about the Italy/Paraguay result.

It certainly "throws the group open" as the media have been saying, but not really in our favour.

Would have much preferred Italy to spank them 8-0 so that a draw against Paraguay would put us through in second on goal difference.

Means a win and two draws probably needed now to even go through on goal difference.

Would have much preferred Italy to spank them 8-0 so that a draw against Paraguay would put us through in second on goal difference.

Surely you know nothing even remotely like this was ever going to happen?

Um. Yes. 3 or 4 nil would have been nice though.

TEAM NEWS
New Zealand midfielder Tim Brown will not be risked against Slovakia, having only recently returned to training following shoulder surgery, but should be available for the match against Italy on Sunday.
Coach Ricki Herbert has said Brown will be replaced by veteran Ivan Vicelich, who normally plays at centre-back.
Slovakia winger Miroslav Stoch is expected to start on Tuesday despite picking up a minor knee problem in training. Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel has recovered from an ankle injury and is also likely to feature.
MATCH PREVIEW
While the neutrals may not be counting down the days until this Group F clash, for fans of New Zealand and Slovakia the long wait is almost over. The All Whites are taking part in their first World Cup since 1982, while Slovakia are making their debut as an independent nation. There may not be many household names on display, but there will be no shortage of passion and commitment.
Most New Zealand supporters are bracing themselves for an early exit, but a warm-up win against Serbia suggests the All Whites won't be outclassed in South Africa. Coach Ricki Herbert has assembled an eclectic squad that includes two players currently without a club, three with non-league experience in England and another, midfielder Andy Barron, who combines football with work at a Wellington bank.
However, the recent recruitment of Winston Reid and Tommy Smith, who have switched allegiance after playing youth football for Denmark and England respectively, has given Herbert more strength at the back. Together with captain Ryan Nelsen, they should ensure things are All White on the night.
While this is Slovakia's debut, they already have plenty of pedigree, having competed as part of Czechoslovakia until 1990, reaching World Cup finals in 1934 and 1962. And, as most Slovakian fans will tell you, eight of the side that started the 1976 European Championship final win were Slovaks.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- This is the time game between the two countries.
NEW ZEALAND
- They lost all three games on their only previous World Cup appearance in 1982, losing 5-2 to Scotland, 3-0 to the USSR and 4-0 against Brazil.
- Three squad members have played at non-league level in England. Leo Bertos had a stint with Worksop, James Bannatyne turned out for Yeading and Shane Smeltz had spells with Mansfield, AFC Wimbledon and Halifax.
- A further two players are currently without a club - Simon Elliott was released by MLS side San Jose Earthquakes this year, while David Mulligan was let go by Wellington Phoenix (who are led by All Whites coach Ricki Herbert).
SLOVAKIA
- The Slovaks are the only country competing at their first World Cup this summer. The last two European debutants lost their opening match - Ukraine were beaten 4-0 by Spain in 2006 and Slovenia lost 3-1 to the Spanish in 2002.
- They kept only three clean sheets in qualifying - against San Marino, Northern Ireland and Poland.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Jerome Damon (South Africa)
Assistants: Celestin Ntagungira (Rwanda) and Enock Molefe (South Africa)
4th official: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)

Wait...which one is ours?

http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/copa-do-mundo/noticia/2010/06/nova-zelandia-e-eslovaquia-se-encontram-para-fazer-historia.html Brazil view. They see Simon Elliot as a low point to our team, let's prove them wrong...

Hey mate,

Will be at Fox's for sure. I was there for Aus Germany at six in the morning and the atmosphere was great. No doubt it will be packed to the rafters tonight.

The one up the top is apparently Teresa from 62 Management. The other one is Adriana Sklenarikova... oh good god almighty.

Hey mate,

Will be at Fox's for sure. I was there for Aus Germany at six in the morning and the atmosphere was great. No doubt it will be packed to the rafters tonight.[/QUOTE]