Defending Champions Go Home, Paraguay Top Group, Dutch Stay Perfect, Japan Stun Danes

Game 41: Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Hah! Another shocking result at this year's World Cup. The Azzurri finally showed their age and lack of pace against the much younger and more determined Slovakian team. Fabio Cannavaro looks way off his pace in this game and I guess it's about time he retired. Italy has got to scout for new, younger talent from now on and stop relying on the oldies. Well done to Slovakia, though. It's their first ever World Cup and they have stunned one of the giants in football. Next up for them is Netherlands and while they can provide a scare or two for the Dutch defence, I just don't see them causing another surprise.

Game 42: Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand

This was probably one of the more quiet games in terms of goalmouth action. Paraguay dominated possession but had no goals to show for it. I gotta give credit to New Zealand's goalkeeper Mark Paston, though. He struggled in the first game but in the next 2 he was very good and made some decent saves to give his team 3 points and stay unbeaten. They probably need a lot more firepower upfront if they qualify for the next World Cup. Paraguay take on Japan next and should be strong enough to progress to the quarter finals.

Game 43: Cameroon 1-2 Netherlands

Hard luck for the African nation. They were good going forward in the first two games but defensive errors cost them and they were already eliminated before this game and had nothing but pride to play for. Again, they were not solid enough at the back and the Dutch punished them without even playing their best football. But with Arjen Robben now back from injury, the other teams should look out for Netherlands because with him starting, it brings a totally different dimension to the team with his pace, dribbling skills, and good long shots.

Game 44: Denmark 1-3 Japan

I underestimated Asian teams, especially Japan. They were really awful during friendlies and even though they won against Cameroon, they were playing rather defensively in that game. But against Denmark, they played out their tactics perfectly and troubled the Danish defence with their pace upfront. 2 wonderful free kicks and neat teamwork destroyed the Danes who look as old as the Italians in the final third. Japan are up against Paraguay and once again must be strong in defence if they are going to have any hope of progressing. But then again, they might surprise me one more time. Man of the Match: Kaisuke Honda (scored a marvelous free kick to give his team the lead, nice footwork to set-up Japan's third, and was a constant thorn in the Danish defence)