the Azzurris are definitely feeling blue
but they just weren't good enough.
New Zealand (also in group F with Italy) went out at this stage too, but were unbeaten, and had 3 points, having their best world cup ever. Football is not the main sport for the Kiwis, rugby is, so they are deservedly proud of their achievement. Paraguay and Slovakia go through and meet Japan and the Netherlands (respectively).
Japan played some exciting, high tempo football, beating Denmark 3-1 and knocking them out of the tournament. Japan has struggled to win matches on foreign soil and were not expected to get through the group stages, but analysts often get it wrong!
Today Brazil and Portugal contrived to produce a boring goalless draw,(almost reducing the commentators to tears!) but both go through, whereas Ivory Coast, despite beating North Korea 3-0 are knocked out along with them.
Spain beat Chile 2-1 and they both go through on 6 points. Switzerland needed to beat Honduras by at least two goals to progress to the last 16, but couldn't break down Honduras and the goalless draw meant they both are looking for flights home.
So, the group stage is completed and the knockout stages start tomorrow with Uruguay vs South Korea and USA vs Ghana. Both should be very exciting!
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