Italy dumped out of World Cup by Slovakia, Paraguay advance
The most dramatic game of the World Cup so far saw defending champions Italy getting knocked out of the tournament by Slovakia. The Italians were poor, but stepped up a gear dramatically in the second half setting up the most thrilling conclusion to a game you are likely to see. We had disallowed goals, goal-line clearances, multiple goals but in the end, the tickets to Rome were being booked.
Slovakia went 2-0 with up with goals from Robert Vittek either side of half time. When Di Natali pulled one back for Italy on 81 minutes, it looked like they would get the equaliser they needed. But Skertel cleared off the line, and Italy had a goal disallowed for offside. Then, unbelievably, the Italians conceded again in the last minute, with substitute Kopunek sneaking past the defence to collect a line-throw and chip it over the advancing goalkeeper to put the result beyond doubt.
Or at least that's what you would think. Incredibly, there was another twist left. Quaglarella scored a beauty for the Italians two minutes into injury time, and there was still a late opportunity for Italy to score again, but Pepe volleyed wide.
Meanwhile, New Zealand and Paraguay were playing out a scoreless draw, which was good enough to see Paraguay progress. But it was heartbreak for the "All Whites" who couldn't find the breakthrough they needed, and end up with three draws from three games - but despite being unbeaten, they are going home.
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