SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Italian and Slovak fans arrive ahead of decisive World Cup match
Record ID:
452664
SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Italian and Slovak fans arrive ahead of decisive World Cup match
- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Italian and Slovak fans arrive ahead of decisive World Cup match
- Date: 25th June 2010
- Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 24, 2010) (REUTERS) FAN SHOWING ITALIAN SCARF KIDS WITH PAINTED FACES WAVING FLAGS (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN FAN FABIO, SAYING: "I think it's going to be a really tough game, but I think the boys can do it, win the game and get better during the World Cup." ITALIAN FANS FAN WEARING SOCKS IN ITALIAN NATIONAL COLOURS (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN FAN ROSANNA, SAYING: "I expect a good game, I'm very positive. They can do it, they just need to get their act together and do it." STREET LEADING TOWARDS STADIUM SLOVAK FANS (SOUNDBITE) (Slovak) SLOVAK FAN HELLEN, SAYING: "I think the Slovak boys are strong, they know what they're doing. There is a good spirit in the team and I think they will win." MORE SLOVAK FANS ARRIVING (SOUNDBITE) (Slovak) SLOVAK FAN MIRO, SAYING: "They are older and they need to train a little more to beat the Slovaks." VARIOUS FANS ARRIVING VARIOUS FANS ENTERING THROUGH GATE
- Embargoed: 10th July 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA83PVIKP9AMWNLFXWEX3ZX8N8U
- Story Text: Italian and Slovak fans arrived at Johannesburg's Ellis Park stadium on Thursday (June 24) ahead of Group F's final round of matches that could see the world champions suffer a shock first round exit with a Slovakia win.
The Azzurri have drawn both their games so far against Paraguay and New Zealand and need a win to guarantee a spot in the last 16.
"I think it's going to be a really tough game, but I think the boys can do it, win the game and get better during the World Cup," said Italy fan Fabio, waving the national flag.
Coach Marcello Lippi has received a lot of criticism back home for not selecting creative midfielders Antonio Cassano and Guiseppe Rossi with the team lacking an extra edge in front of goal.
"I expect a good game, I'm very positive. They can do it, they just need to get their act together and do it," added Rosanna.
Italy will be boosted by the fact that Slovakia must attack and leave gaps at the back to go through to the next stage, as only a win will benefit the side.
"I think the Slovak boys are strong, they know what they're doing. There is a good spirit in the team and I think they will win," said Slovak fan Hellen.
Another Slovak fan, Miro, suggested Italy's ageing squad would be no match for his side.
"They are older and they need to train a little more to beat the Slovaks," he said.
Italy are likely to face the Netherlands in the next round should they manage to go through, however should both games in the group, with New Zealand facing Paraguay, end up as a draw with the same scoreline, Italy will be in the unenviable position of having to draw lots with the Oceania minnows to determine who makes it through to the next round.
Italy have had slow starts in the past, they sneaked through the group stage with three draws in Spain '82 and went on to lift the trophy thanks to striker Paolo Rossi's sudden scoring streak.
Slovakia drew their opening game with New Zealand and suffered a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay in their last match. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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