There is a fine line between elation and frustration in the world's favourite sport, as graphically illustrated by a turbulent second Sunday at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Five-time winners Brazil were consumed by joy after sealing their berth in the Round of 16, but holders Italy again dropped points and are in real danger of missing out on the knockout stages.
A Seleção striker Luis Fabiano emerged as the match-winner at Soccer City in Johannesburg. The two-goal marksman was at his most ruthless as he set coach Dunga's side on the way to a 3-1 Group G victory over Côte d’Ivoire. After claiming the adidas Golden Shoe as top scorer at the FIFA Confederations Cup a year ago, the Sevilla sharp-shooter reaffirmed his apparent love affair with South Africa. Elano added the third on an encouraging evening for the South Americans, Didier Drogba pulling one back as the Africans staged a late rally. The only fly in the ointment for the Brazilians was Kaka's dismissal for a second yellow card in the heated closing stages.
There were more flies than ointment earlier in the day for Marcello Lippi's holders, held to a 1-1 draw by minnows New Zealand in Nelspruit, proving once again that heroics in the past count for precious little in the present. The Group F stalemate rates as the Italians' worst FIFA World Cup result since a 1-0 defeat by Korea DPR fully 44 years ago. La Nazionale's blushes were spared by Vincenzo Iaquinta, who levelled from the spot after Shane Smeltz had opened the scoring. Incredibly, Italy still have not won in 2010.
Brazil were not the only South Americans celebrating as Paraguay gave an exemplary display of how to make the most of your chances and win. In a subdued encounter in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros clinically put away La Albirroja’s best openings to earn a fully merited 2-0 win over Slovakia and place one foot firmly in the Round of 16.
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