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FIFA World Cup 2010 match 11 - Group F Italy: Buffon (Marchetti 45), Criscito, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pepe, Marchisio (Camoranesi 59), Montolivo, Iaquinta, Gilardino (Di Natale 72). Paraguay: Villar, Morel Rodriguez, Da Silva, Torres (Santana 60), Alcaraz, Caceres, Vera, Caceres, Riveros Nunez, Valdez (Santa Cruz 68), Barrios (Cardozo 76). Italy were beginning their defence of the World Cup against Paraguay and, perhaps typically, looked anything but world champions with a sluggish, uninspired display. The Italians are past masters of peaking at the right time in major tournaments but there was nothing here to suggest they have the players to retain their crown. The injured Andrea Pirlo would seem to have a heavy weight of expectation on his shoulders when he returns. There was little pace, invention or urgency about Italy's first half attacking play and a resolute Paraguay defence coped comfortably with the little that was thrown at them. Montolivo ran from the halfway line for a shot after intercepting a loose pass but the effort was more like a backpass and perhaps Villar shouldn't have been allowed to use his hands to save it. Paraguay were uncomfortable when Pepe whipped an inswinging corner into the six yard box but Alcaraz engineered an awkward clearance over his own bar at full stretch. This was, however, a taste of things to come later. Alcaraz when then in action from a set piece at the other end as Paraguay took a lead that was now not such a shock as might have been thought before the start of play. Torres curved a free kick in at pace from the right hand side and Alcaraz rose above the static De Rossi and Cannavaro to plant a header into the bottom corner from close range. In the minutes leading up to half time Italy looked clueless as to how to fashion a response. Half Time: Italy 0 Paraguay 1 The interval brought more bad news for the Italians as Buffon was forced to retire with a back problem, Marchetti coming on to replace him in goal. The substitute keeper did not inspire confidence but Paraguay were unable to seriously test him as they concentrated on protecting their lead. Italy improved slightly after altering their formation but still lacked the craft to create much in the way of chances. Vera did have one great chance to increase Paraguay's lead when the ball broke to him as Italy made a dogs' dinner of clearing their lines but his rising shot flew the wrong side of the post. With it becoming harder to see where an Italian equaliser might come from they were suddenly presented with a gift just past the hour mark. Pepe swung another corner across the six yard box, Villar made a spectacularly inept attempt to punch clear and De Rossi, whose marker Barrios was looking the other way, was able to turn the ball home from point blank range. Italy certainly looked the stronger side as the minutes ticked down but they still lacked real quality and could only muster hopeful efforts on goal. Montolivo hit the best of these from long distance but Villar was able to save scrambling low to his right and Paraguay held on for a draw their efforts had certainly merited. Despite looking pretty poor Italy will surely qualify from this group and have the time to improve later on. It is hard to believe they can repeat their feat of four years ago and go all the way again, however. Full Time: Italy 1 Paraguay 1 Italy Ratings: Buffon 5 (Marchetti 5), Criscito 5, Chiellini 6, Cannavaro 6, Zambrotta 5, De Rossi 5, Pepe 7, Marchisio 4 (Camoranesi 5), Montolivo 6, Iaquinta 5, Gilardino 4 (Di Natale 5). Paraguay: Villar 5, Morel Rodriguez 6, Da Silva 7, Torres 6 (Santana 5), Alcaraz 7, Caceres 6, Vera 6, Caceres 6, Riveros Nunez 5, Valdez 5 (Santa Cruz 4), Barrios 4 (Cardozo 4). Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico) 7 Good: Rain at the World Cup. Magnificent. Bad: More sorry goalkeeping antics. Ugly: Camoranesi's bit of chin stubble.
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