When the draw for the World Cup finals was made, the probable scenario ahead of Sunday’s Group F match between Italy and New Zealand was clear.
Italy would arrive in the town near the world renowned Kruger Park with three points from their opening game against Paraguay, while the All Whites would arrive licking their wounds after losing to Slovakia.
That was the probable scenario. In reality, they are on equal terms, with Italy held 1-1 by Paraguay and the All Whites fighting to the same result against Slovakia. “I am sure everybody in the group thought they would get three points out of New Zealand and maybe the Slovakia result will change Italy’s thinking,” said Kiwi coach Ricki Herbert.
The coach added that he was now looking to go even further. “I think the beauty of it and great for the country is that no matter what happens against Italy, we’re still not out of it,” he said.
But while Herbert can go into the match knowing that he has already achieved more than most New Zealand football fans had hoped for, his Italian counterpart Marcello Lippi is facing a nightmare.
Italy struggled against Paraguay and it was only a defensive error that gifted the Azzurri their equaliser. Lippi will have to start the game without Gianluca Buffon, as well as Andrea Pirlo. “I feel confident and I plan to enjoy the game,” said goalie Federico Marchetti, who is expected to take Buffon’s place. — DPA