We take a look at all the drama and key incidents, on and off the pitch, on day ten of the World Cup
All the key events as the tournament hots up
Sky Sports takes a look at all the drama and key incidents, on and off the pitch, on day ten of the World Cup.
Today it is
Mark Holmes' turn to look at the key talking points - and there were plenty of them.
Villain of the Day
And the Oscar for the best actor in a supporting role goes to.... the Ivory Coast's Kader Keita. A shocking piece of playacting from the midfielder ensured that Kaka received a second yellow card and a subsequent red from French referee Stephane Lannoy on Sunday night.
Keita ran into the Brazlian playmaker and then fell to the ground holding his face in what was a bad-tempered end to an excellent performance from Dunga's men. It's highly unlikely that FIFA will reverse the decision, as that makes too much common sense, but surely Keita must get some kind of punishment for his despicable act.
Shambles of the Day
France are completely falling apart in this tournament and you can probably hear the laughter from Dublin above the drones of the vuvuzelas - okay I know that's physically impossible. After Nicola Anelka's exit yesterday their whole squad decided they didn't want to train today and they even got boss Raymond Domenech, who clearly none of them rate, to explain the reason behind their decision - shouldn't skipper Patrice Evra be doing that?
It really is a crying shame to see a such a gifted outfit wasting their opportunity to win the competition..... of course I'm joking, it's hilarious.
Heroes of the Day
Step forward the mighty All Whites of New Zealand, who were outstanding in their 1-1 draw with reigning world champions Italy in Nelspruit.
From goalkeeper Mark Paston to striker and goalscorer Shane Smeltz, Ricki Herbert's men all performed way above themselves, with perhaps a special mention to Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen who tackled and blocked everything that was put in front of him.
Okay so Italy are not a particularly great side and I'll be shocked if they go onto retain the trophy, but up until their game against Slovakia the other day New Zealand had never even won a point at a World Cup so today's result and performance was massive from their point of view. Well done lads.
Shock of the Day
No, not New Zealand drawing against Italy, but Roque Santa Cruz actually looking like a footballer again.
The Paraguay striker has been woeful for Manchester City in the few times he's actually played, but he was excellent against Slovakia, twice going close to scoring and impressing throughout. Perhaps it won't be money down the drain for City after all?
Non-performance of the Day
Slovakia are making their first appearance at a World Cup finals so perhaps we should go easy on them. But their performance, or lack of it, against Paraguay was almost England-esque! Paraguay won at an absolute canter and will surely now progress from Group F but Slovakia will be heading home and it's little loss on this evidence.
Final Thoughts
Brilliant from New Zealand to hold a poor-looking Italian side, while Brazil certainly looked the real deal during the second half of their win over the Ivory Coast. Kaka's red card was a complete joke and FIFA needs to start cracking down on the cheats now. (RM)
