Image via WikipediaNew Zealand V/s Slovakia, June 15, 2010, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.
The first of the three games on 15th was was a pass over match, while the wait was was for big guns – Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.
The game started as expected – dour. I was sleeping hardheartedly because whatever the team, I could not miss the excitement. The view was particularly more exciting – lying down, with the television perpendicular to vision, and the players in South African sun having their shadows on the ground, and my mind wanting to think the shadow being erect player and the white and blue guys as colorful shadows on multicolored background. There was mistimed passes which were taken by other team only to be given away again, but both teams ran their heart off in the first half. There was nothing to display in the score line for all their efforts because game was always beyond the box of either teams. A few moments of lightness, when a Slovak player named Czech was called by commentator as 'Check ov' Slovakia' which will anger at least a few Slovaks, but made the match a bit more enjoyable. Few times, Slovaks who were supposed to be better team, beat Kiwis in speed and made few noises. The second half started and within five minutes, a goal was conceded by Kiwis, Vitek scored. Nothing could stop the Slovaks now. The game was progressing towards full time, with extra time time added and score line still read, Slovaks are ahead. In the final 60 seconds of the game, a goal from Kiwis, from a Winston Reed header equalized the score.
What an energy it gave to the match. The stands were all up and jumping with blue flags of New Zealand. The referee had to book the winner for his over celebration, but nobody minded, Kiwis, the least. The final whistle blew and the camera gave a close up of Nelson hugging Reid, for a gay long time, which summarized the happiness of Kiwis. In the end, as is always said, Football won.
New Zealand 1(Reid) – Slovakia 1(Vitek)
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