Holland enjoyed a comfortable victory over Slovakia to reach the last eight of the World Cup.
Goals from Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were enough to secure the win over a limited Slovakia side who replied with a late consolation goal from the penalty spot from leading scorer Robert Vittek.
Holland take on Slovakia for a place in the last eight of the World Cup on Monday at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Holders Italy are out of the World Cup after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Slovakia in a thrilling match in Johanesburg.
The defeat means that Italy suffer the humilation of finishing bottom of Group F, while Slovakia will join Paraguay, who drew 0-0 with New Zealand, in the last 16.
All four teams enter this afternoon’s final Group F matches with a chance of progression to the knockout phase and, after a slow start to the defence of their title, holders Italy need a victory against Slovakia in Johannesburg to avoid an early exi
Paraguay have given themselves a wonderful chance of reaching the last 16, after they secured a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Bloemfontein.
Paraguay meet Slovakia in Group F’s second tround of games.
Both these sides let a lead slip in their opening game, although it will be Slovakia who will be the most upset. They led against Group F outsiders New Zealand until the third minute of injury time, a result coach Vladimir Weiss described as a “small sporting tragedy”.
Winston Reid scored a dramatic equaliser in the closing moments of injury time to give New Zealand a 1- draw against Slovakia and earn the all Whites their first-ever point in the World Cup finals.
Group F minnows New Zealand and Slovakia meet in a crucial game in Rustenburg on Tuesday.
World Soccer: This is Slovakia’s first appearance in the World Cup finals. What does it mean to you and the country at large?
Vladimir Weiss: I’m so proud we managed to qualify on my watch. It’s an achievement I’ll feel good about forever. Not that the success all belongs to me. I share the plaudits with the players, my national team
Coach
Vladimir Weiss
22.09.64
Coach since 2008
45-year-old who played, like his father and son, for his country, is already Slovakia’s most successful coach. Gained respect as coach of local side Artmedia Petrzalka whom he led in an impressive Champions League group stage campaign in 2005-06 and has the respect of players and pundits alike, is a confident tactician and turned up an ace
