Slovakia Eliminates Italy

In one of the most stunning games of the World Cup so far, Slovakia put an ignominious end to Italy’s World Cup title defense. By winning 3-2 Thursday, Slovakia also secured its own place in the last 16 in its very first World Cup appearance. The underdogs scored the first two goals of the game before Italy began to rally, making it 2-1 in the 81st minute. Slovakia struck again in the 89th, but Italy briefly restored hope by making it 3-2 a minute later. It was too little too late. Now, both of the 2006 finalists have been eliminated. In Group F’s other game, Paraguay and New Zealand drew 0-0, meaning that Paraguay advances as group winner and the Kiwis go home, despite going undefeated in the tournament—they tied all three games.