New Zealand – Slovakia

1. <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0606/rickiherbertnewzealand2010060_275x155.jpg> New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert played for the All Whites in their only previous World Cup campaign at the 1982 tournament.

2. New Zealand fans may take pleasure in reading how Australia <A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=796192&cc=5739&ver=global target=new > were beaten 4-0 by Germany. </A>

3. Join us at 1130 GMT, to see if one of the minnows can pick up a big win.

4. <b>Hello ladies and gents, welcome to live commentary of Slovakia vs New Zealand on ESPN Gamecast.</b>

5. This Group F clash from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg sees a clash of the minnows.

6. But today's winning side will find themselves top the group, after Italy and Paraguay drew on Monday.

7. ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The All Whites' only previous World Cup appearance saw them lose all three games in 1982 by at least three goals.</i>

8. ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Slovakia are competing in their first-ever World Cup finals tournament.</i>

9. <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0615/newzealandfans20100615_275x155.jpg> New Zealand fans start the party.

10. Today's game is historic for both teams. New Zealand are playing their first World Cup match for 28 years while Slovakia play their first World Cup game as an independent nation.

11. The players have emerged from the tunnel on a fine, sunny afternoon in Rustenburg.

12. 1'

    We are underway in Rustenburg.

13. 1'

    Slovakia, all in blue kick from right to left. New Zealand, the All Whites are, not surprsingly, in all white.

14. 2'

    New Zealand's last clash with eastern European opposition was against Serbia last month, who they beat 1-0.

15. 3'

    And it's New Zealand who have the first shot of the game. Killen bundles his way through a couple of Slovak challenges before shooting from distance with his left foot. Marginally over the bar.

16. 4'

    New Zealand have forced a free kick in a dangerous position on the left. Simon Elliott whips a dangerous ball in and, after a moment of indecision at the back, Slovakia goakeeper Mucha manages to gather.

17. 5'

    Encouraging early signs again for the All Whites, as Mucha flaps at a cross from Bertos.

18. 6'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>In competitions outside Oceania, New Zealand's record stands at 11 defeats and one draw, with four goals scored and 36 conceded. </i>

19. 7'

    We're yet to see any attacking intent from Slovakia.

20. 9'

    New Zealand threaten again. Lochhead's cross almost finds Fallon. Cleared by Durica for a corner. Slovakia are under the cosh here.

21. 10'

    Comment from Obe Bet: <i>''May the weakest team win.</i>

22. 11'

    Given the start New Zealand have made, I think that could be Slovakia, Obe.

23. 12'

    Slovakia are losing the ball with alarming regularity at the moment. They can't seem to get a foothold in this at the moment.

24. 13'

    Slovakia are attacking through Hamsik, but his cross is poor and Paston gathers.

25. 14'

    Slovakia re slowing coming into this but their final ball is terrible.

26. 16'

    Slovakia create their first shot on goal through Vittek. But he shoots from a position out left that he will never score from. The ball flies over the bar.

27. 16'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Stanislav Sestak has just three touches in the first 14 minutes.</i>

28. 17'

    New Zealand win another free kick deep in Slovakia territory. They're not shy, this lot. Simon Elliott slightly overhits it and the chance is gone.

29. 18'

    But New Zealand are asking all the early questions in Rustenburg.

30. 19'

    And the Mexican Wave has started... Not a good sign.

31. 20'

    Considering the All Whites are without their vice-captain and star player Tim Brown, who misses out through a shoulder injury, they are looking composed and the more organised of the two sides in the first 20 minutes.

32. 21'

    Hamsik gets into a great position in the New Zealand box but shoots rather than looking up and sees his shot go harmlessly wide.

33. 22'

    Slovakia are somewhat disjointed in attack so far.

34. 22'

    And midfield. And defence.

35. 24'

    New Zealand, who qualified for this World Cup by defeating Bahrain in a playoff, look comfortable at the moment. No sign of a drubbing yet.

36. 25'

    <b>Chance for Slovakia!</b> A glimmer of what Slovakia can do. Weiss crafts the chance beautifully by playing in Sestak who rather snatches at his shot, only finding the side netting.

37. 26'

    Sestak could have done better there.

38. 27'

    Slovakia are cranking up the pressure for the first time. They have a corner...

39. 28'

    The All Whites keeper, Paston, won't be happy with that. He flaps at the corner hopelessly but gets away with it as the ball goes straight out for a goal kick.

40. 29'

    I'm sure Paston would have blamed the Jabulani if a goal had come of that.

41. 30'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0615/newzealandvslovakia20100615_275x155.jpg> Slovakia defend in numbers.

42. 32'

    <b>Slovakia come close again!</b> NZ keeper Paston totally miscues a back pass, which goes straight to Sestak wide on the right. He tries to pull the ball back from the byline but the All Whites get back in numbers to snuff out the danger.

43. 33'

    Slovakia hitting their gears now. Weiss attacks NZ down the left and for a second looks to be through on goal but loses control at the crucial moment.

44. 34'

    Vittek tries on the Jabulani for size. He smacks it from all of 30 yards and it flies narrowly wide.

45. 35'

    New Zealand have weathered the first Slovak storm of the game.

46. 36'

    <b>Chance for New Zealand!</b> Smeltz receives a lobbed pass from Fallon which takes half the Slovakian defence out of the game and, eager to score New Zealand's first World Cup goal in 28 years, he hits the side netting.

47. 37'

    Smeltz should have made Mucha work there.

48. 38'

    Another mix-up at the back for New Zealand, who look frail defensively. An innocuous cross totally deceives Paston who was saved by Killen, who hooked it clear.

49. 39'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Only one shot on target in the opening 30 minutes of this match.</i>

50. 40'

    New Zealand force their third corner of the game...

51. 40'

    But Slovakia clear.

52. 41'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/yellow.jpg> <b>YELLOW CARD: </b> Lochhead (New Zealand)

53. 42'

    Lochhead is booked for a foul on Jendrisek. But Jendrisek did go to ground rather dramatically.

54. 44'

    Paston is again at sea. Slovakia win a corner but the keeper should have punched claer under very little pressure.

55. 44'

    Hamsik tries a shot from distance. Tipped over by Paston.

56. 45'

    We will play one additional minute at the end of the first half.

57. 45'

    <b>And that's half time.</b>

58. 45'

    Not a bad half of football. New Zealand have defended fairly well and have attacked with purpose. Slovakia have not hit anywhere near the heights that they're capable of and they will have to significantly raise their game.

59. 45'

    But New Zealand have a problem at the back. Paston looks shaky in goal and the All Whites, despite being well organised, look weak under any kind of pressure.

60. 45'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>This is the first time ever in the World Cup that New Zealand has not conceded a goal in a half.</i>

61. 45'

    Portugal against the Ivory Coast is up next. Read Andy Brassell's <A HREF= http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=793050&cc=5739&ver=global target=new > preview of the Portuguese </A> during the break.

62. 45'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0615/roryfallon20100615_275x155.jpg> Rory Fallon goes for a header.

63. 45'

    Comment from Brett Taylor: <i>''Everything is going to plan for the All Whites so far, they'll be buzzing at half-time. They'll come out with belief in the second half and Slovakia is going to have to improve to beat them.</i>

64. 46'

    <b>The players are out for the second half, and the referee gets things underway again.</b>

65. 47'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Simon Elliott has created four of New Zealand's six attempts. Vladimir Weiss has created three of Slovakia's seven.</i>

66. 47'

    Weiss wins a corner for Slovakia, who have come out of the traps quickly in this second period.

67. 47'

    But NZ win a free kick.

68. 49'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/goal.gif> <b>GOAL: </b> And Slovakia have scored early in the secon half. Vittek finds himself in space in the box and Sestak finds him with a cross from the right after he was released by Weiss.

69. 50'

    Good header but the marking was very slack.

70. 52'

    That's harsh on NZ who had been strong throughout the first half, especially as there was a hint of offside as the ball came in. Reid, arm aloft, certainly thought so.

71. 53'

    Sestak bursts past 3 or 4 NZ defenders with fantastic acceleration but fails to find a pass and is tackled.

72. 54'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/yellow.jpg> <b>YELLOW CARD: </b> Strba (Slovakia)

73. 54'

    Strba is tackled for a late tackle from behind on NZ skipper, Simon Elliott.

74. 55'

    Slovakia have sat back since conceding. NZ continue to dominate possession in Rustenburg.

75. 56'

    Weiss goes on an excellent run down the right wing, leaving 2 or 3 players in his wake. Just took a heavy touch at the crucial moment and Paston rushed out to gather.

76. 57'

    Weiss is looking very dangerous for Slovakia.

77. 58'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Counting the throw-in, the goal came after the 10th pass of the Slovakian possession, involving seven players.</i>

78. 60'

    Weiss is furious that he hasn't been awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. He appeared to be sandwiched but the referee sensed simulation.

79. 61'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0615/robertvittek20100615_275x155.jpg> Robert Vittek nets the opener.

80. 62'

    New Zealand are showing no signs of hiding here. Bertos whips in a cross from the left, but it's slightly too close to Mucha in goal.

81. 63'

    Slovakia are playing a dangerous game, but they do look like scoring whenever they break.

82. 64'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>There have been four headed goals from just seven headers on target in the 2010 World Cup.</i>

83. 65'

    Sestak finds himself on the edge of the box with two NZ defenders in close attention. Sestak does well to wait for support in the shape of Hamsik, but the captain should be embarassed with his shot after a neat lay-off by Sestak.

84. 66'

    The All Whites captain Simon Elliott is struggling with what looks like an ankle injury.

85. 67'

    Could have something to do with the crunching tackle Strba put in on him earlier.

86. 68'

    <b>Great chance for Slovakia!</b> Reid saves NZ with a last ditch challenge on Vittek. Fast breakaway by Slovakia which ends with Sestak setting up Vittek.

87. 69'

    Very close to a second for Slovakia.

88. 69'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Wood for Killen

89. 71'

    NZ look to shake things up a bit with the 18-year-old Chris Wood.

90. 72'

    ESPN Stats & Info: <i>According to FIFA?s attendance number against stadium capacity, there are 14,775 empty seats for this match.</i>

91. 74'

    Sestak gets into another advanced position on the right and he almost threads his pull back through a sea of white shirts to Vittek, but NZ make a crucial interception.

92. 75'

    New Zealand are still in this, but only just.

93. 76'

    Sestak is causing all kinds of problems. He forces a corner after his shot was blocked.

94. 77'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Christie for Ivan Vicelich

95. 78'

    Another positive change as New Zealand look to salvage a point. A midfielder on for a defender.

96. 79'

    Fallon shoots from distance and the ball goes out for a goal kick.

97. 80'

    Strba is penalised for another foul. The lad needs to be careful.

98. 80'

    <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Holosko for Sestak

99. 81'

    The dangerous Sestak is replaced.

100. 82'

     ESPN Stats & Info: <i>The first 19 goals of this World Cup have been scored by 19 different players, breaking the previous record of 18 (1978).</i>

101. 83'

     The substitute Holosko is straight into the mix. He forces a Slovakia corner...

102. 84'

     A TV 'super-slow mo' shows NZ captain Ryan Nelson either roaring or yawning. I'm not sure which.

103. 84'

     <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Stoch for Vittel

104. 86'

     New Zealand really need a goal to give them any hope of qualification, given their upcoming fixtures with Italy and Paraguay.

105. 87'

     But they're finding it hard to kick-start any attacks as Slovakia have grown in stature throughout the game.

106. 88'

     <b>Great chance for New Zealand!</b> Smeltz finds himself unmarked in the box after Lochhead picked him out with an accurate cross from the left. But Smeltz puts his header wide.

107. 88'

     That's disappointing for New Zealand, for whom a point wouldn't be unjustified.

108. 89'

     <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Juraj Kucka for Weiss

109. 90'

     Weiss is withdrawn after a very strong game.

110. 90'

     <img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/goal.gif> <b>GOAL </b> What a moment for Winston Reid who equalises for New Zealand! A cross came in from the left and Reid, in too much space, heads beyond Mucha.

111. 90'

     <b>And the final whistle blows!</b>

112. 90'

     New Zealand have secured a dramatic late equaliser, a great moment in their history!

113. 90'

     Slovakia only have themselves to blame for not closing out this game. But New Zealand deserve at least a point for battling for 90 minutes against a side who were wasteful in attack.

114. 90'

     ESPN Stats & Info: <i>That goal is the latest equaliser since Shaun Bartlett scored in the 4th minute of stoppage time for South Africa against Saudi Arabia in 1998.</i>

115. 90'

     For the record, Reid received a yellow card for taking off his shirt during his celebration (which also involved mass hysteria on the touchline).

116. 90'

     But who can blame Reid for going crazy?

117. 90'

     </i> An historic result for the Kiwis, so read our <A HREF=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264062&cc=5739&ver=global target=new > report</A> here.

118. 90'

     <b>That's everything for now. But join Chris Murphy for coverage of Portugal vs Ivory Coast at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on our next Gamecast on ESPN.</b>

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