here are the results from the first round matches of Group F.
New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia
Slovakia, who were making their World Cup debut as an independent nation, looked set to top the group when Robert Vittek met a diagonal cross by Stanislav Sestak and scored with a powerful header from 10 meters. the weather conditions in the stadium were cold and windy. Slovakia had more chances, but New Zealand's good organisation enabled them to stay in contention. towards the end it looked bleak for the All Whites as time was ticking away until an innocent looking cross was swung into the Slovak penalty area and up popped defender Winston Reid, who rose the highest to score the equaliser. OVERALL - disappointing result for Slovakia. they should have defended better and not have allowed NZ to get the stoppage-time goal. credit to NZ for persevering till the end.
Italy 1-1 Paraguay
Paraguay, who defeated Brazil and Argentina in qualifying, surprisingly held reigning world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw. the Paraguayans took the lead through Antolin Alcaraz in the 39th minute. but despite that opening goal, Paraguay made repeated errors in set pieces, squandered their chances, and gifting Italy their equaliser. Italy, meanwhile, levelled in the 63rd minute when a Simone Pepe corner sailed past goalkeeper Justo Villar's flailing fist and Daniele De Rossi stuck out a foot to steer the ball into the empty net. OVERALL - the reigning world champions should play better. credit to Paraguay for making things tough for Italy early on in the match.
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