The World Cup standings 2010 have been topsy-turvy at the end. However, the World Cup standings 2010 have been conventional in which teams have topped the standings. Despite all the drama around the USA and England, they did exactly what they were expected to do. In spite of Germany stumbling against Serbia, they topped Group D as planned. And, although France utterly collapsed, they weren’t projected to do that much anyway. The drama has been intense, but nothing in the World Cup standings 2010 has been that shocking – until the defending champions got knocked out.
Italy was already struggling in Group F, after two surprising ties. But, with their backs against the wall, the defending champions were supposed to rebound against lowly Slovakia, and get to the knockout stage somehow. After all, they hadn’t missed the second round since 1974.
However, the World Cup standings 2010 have Italy in last place to end Group F, while Slovakia and Paraguay are going on. These results were accomplished with a 3-2 Slovakia victory over the Italians, while Paraguay and New Zealand played to a scoreless draw.
In the end, Paraguay won the group with five points, while Slovakia jumped from last to second with four points. New Zealand exceeded all expectations with three draws, but will miss the knockout stage. Yet, the World Cup standings 2010 say that New Zealand was actually better than Italy, which finished with two points.
The Italians started bad early, as the Slovakians got ahead with a Robert Vittek goal in the 25th minute. As the match went on, the unlikely actually looked possible, especially when Vittek got a second goal in the 73rd minute. But, the scoring really started after that, as the Italians got a rally started in the 81st minute.
The World Cup standings 2010 would have had order restored if Italy tied the game, as they would have beat New Zealand in a goal tiebreaker. However, an 85th minute tying goal by Fabio Quagliarella was disallowed on yet another controversial offside call. The Slovakians then clinched things with a strike by substitute Kamil Kopunek, making a Quagliarella goal in stoppage time too late.
After starting in last place and being overlooked in Group F, the Slovakians are now in the round of 16 in their first World Cup. Meanwhile, both of the 2006 finalists finished in last place in the World Cup standings 2010. Both Italy and France have to start over, as new blood moves in.
Although Slovakia pulled the upset, they may have to pull a bigger one in the knockout stage, as they are likely to face the Netherlands next. Meanwhile, Paraguay will wait for either Japan or Denmark.
Sources
Sky Sports- “Slovakia vanquish champions”
Atlanta Journal-Constitution- “Italy goes home after 3-2 loss to Slovakia”
