Blow, baby, blow: Paraguay's 1-1 draw was a moral victory for landlocked countries everywhere
Thanks to Paraguay, we have our first genuinely surprising result of the Cup. Even better, it comes against Italy, who looked lifeless and uninspired for long stretches against the sturdy Paraguayan defense. Although they dominated possession, the Italians generated few real scoring chances in open play, and their only equalizing goal only came via a clear goalkeeper error on a corner kick.
That said, this result shouldn't trouble the Italians too much. Even if sneaky Slovakia grabs a draw against them, a win over lowly New Zealand would surely see Italy into the next round.
On the other hand -- and this is where the complexity of the World Cup's seeding structure comes in -- a second place finish for Italy in Group E might sting just as much for the Dutch as the Italians. If the Netherlands continue their recent form and top Group E, the two soccer giants could match up unluckily in the Round of 16. This leaves me, as a casual Dutch supporter, in the odd position of hoping that Italy either tops their group or (miracle of miracles!) fails to qualify entirely. Regardless, this surprising draw makes seemingly dull Group E's matches look a little more consequential going forward...
That said, this result shouldn't trouble the Italians too much. Even if sneaky Slovakia grabs a draw against them, a win over lowly New Zealand would surely see Italy into the next round.
On the other hand -- and this is where the complexity of the World Cup's seeding structure comes in -- a second place finish for Italy in Group E might sting just as much for the Dutch as the Italians. If the Netherlands continue their recent form and top Group E, the two soccer giants could match up unluckily in the Round of 16. This leaves me, as a casual Dutch supporter, in the odd position of hoping that Italy either tops their group or (miracle of miracles!) fails to qualify entirely. Regardless, this surprising draw makes seemingly dull Group E's matches look a little more consequential going forward...