World Cup Wrap-Up Matchday 10

Paraguay 2-0 Slovakia

27' PAR Vera (1-0)

42' SVK Durica (YC)

45' PAR Vera (YC)

47' SVK Sestak (YC)

84' SVK Weiss (YC)

86' PAR Riveros (2-0)

A game very thoroughly dominated by the South American side, once again showing that the South African world cup has turned into the South American World Cup (South American sides are unbeaten).

PAR Verdict: Another very positive showing from the side that shocked Italy a few days ago. Just one of the (possibly?) overachieving South American sides playing at a very high level against inferior opposition.

SVK Verdict: A fairly poor showing, but I suppose Marek Hamsik can't do it all.

Man of the Match: Roque Santa Cruz (PAR)

Italy 1-1 New Zealand

7' NZL Smeltz (0-1)

14' NZL Fallon (YC)

28' NZL Smith (YC)

29' Iaquinta (1-1) (pen)

87' Nelsen (YC)

A very good showing from the All Whites, and yet another lacklustre performance from the Azzuri. A fairly boring game until the end, when both teams tried desperately to get men forward and provide the breakthrough. Neither side did, however. The main focus of this match, which has been for far too many games, was the refereeing. De Rossi took a dive in the box, and was rewarded with a penalty for his theatrics. Such a shame.

ITA Verdict: "If you're Italian, you go down. It's the law!"

NZL Verdict: Another shock showing from Kiwi football. They won't be advancing, but it's a nice story for them to write home about.

Man of the Match: Winston Reid (NZL)

Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast

25' BRA Luis Fabiano (1-0)

31' CIV Tiene (YC)

50' BRA Luis Fabiano (2-0)

62' BRA Elano (3-0)

75' CIV K. Keita (YC)

79' CIV Drogba (3-1)

85' BRA Kaka (YC)

86' CIV Tiote (YC)

88' BRA Kaka (RC)

Another match marred by poor refereeing. Kaka clearly did not deserve his red card, as Kader Kaita clearly dove. Blumer Elano was also injured for the Selecao, putting yet another blemish on what was otherwise a fantastic day for el jogo bonito.

BRA Verdict: Very good showing, dominating on all fronts. Like the game against North Korea, as Maradona put it, "It wouldnt have matter if Julio Cesar showered or not after the game."

CIV Verdict: A tad disappointing, since they are the pride of Africa, and Les Elephants looked like such rather than display their impressive speed that they boast.

Man of the Match: Robinho (BRA)