Japan 1 - 0 Cameroon
Italy 1 - 1 Paraguay
Japan v Camaroon
A well fought match by both Japan and Camaroon. Incredible goal by Keisuke Honda who somehow in the melee at the goal post, managed to be meticulous in his handling of the ball before striking victoriously into the net. Camaroon made several valiant attacks but none got past Eiji Kawashima, Japan’s laser-sharp goalie.
Italy v Paraguay
The Paraguay coaches were sharply dressed in their dark coats. As the rain came down over Cape Town, defending champions Italy did most of the attacking while Paraguay appeared to resign itself to a steady defense. Then, in the 38th minute, Paraguay defender Antolin Alcaraz hoisted himself up from a cluster of blue shirts guarding the Italian goal and head-popped a flying ball from Aureliano Torres into the net. Paraguayan fans erupted as they celebrated the first point of a match that most assumed would be the sole property of Italy. No doubt, the fact that the goalkeeper for Italy was Buffon, added extra sweetness to Paraguay's excellent achievement.
Italy turned up their game, never ceasing to attack. But Paraguay stayed confident, and preserved their lead into halftime.
After halftime, the Italian team returns to the pitch with a big shocker. No Buffon. Instead, Federico Marchetti. Marchetti is 27-years old and managed a slightly better saves-to-shots ratio than Buffon in Serie A, Italy's major league competition.
Into the second half, Italy played a lot stronger, but as the minutes passed, Paraguay gained confidence. Then this from bearded-midfielder, De Rossi.
With that, momentum shifted to Italy. Expectations were further boosted when Coach Lippi brought in Antonio di Natale, small but deadly, in place of Alberto Gilardnino.
Paraguay, however, continued to hold down the fort. The match ended 1-1.
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