World Cup holders Italy are out to avoid a shock first-round exit when they clash with Slovakia in an up-for-grabs Group E contest on Thursday. The Azzurri need a win against a side who failed to impress in their opening two games. However, the Italians themselves have been far from impressive. Surprisingly, Italy can go through with a draw, provided that Paraguay beat New Zealand in the other group match. The Italians are boosted by the return of midfield colossus Andrea Pirlo, who has yet to play in South Africa due to a calf injury. Slovakia will be heavily relying on the services of their captain Marek Hamsik; one of the stars of the Italian Serie A. "All the matches in this tournament are special. This one will undoubtedly be no exception, except that I know all the players in Serie A," said the Napoli playmaker. "Italy is my second home and I've been living there for seven years now; I even feel a little Italian. Yes, this match will have a special importance for me. "They're obviously very disappointed to only have two points, so for them as well as us this game will be like a final." In Polokwane, outsiders New Zealand, merely in the same situation as Italy, could reach the knockouts with a maiden World Cup victory over leaders Paraguay. We've given ourselves a chance of qualifying – what a tremendous challenge," New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen said. "All that remains for us to do is give 100 per cent and seize the opportunity we've been given in this final match."
Wounded Lions in Dutch test In Group E, point-less Cameroon face leaders Holland in a game to spare for both teams as Denmark vie with Japan on the remaining ticket to the last 16. The Dutch have already secured qualification with maximum points from their first two games, while the Lions were the first to exit the World Cup. Unfortunately for Cameroon, Holland boss Bert van Marwijk is planning no change to his regular eleven who beat Denmark and Japan. "I take the match against Cameroon very seriously because it is in that match that the team has to show what they have learned," said the Dutch coach. "And we want to improve in every match and it is important for the players to know exactly what is asked of them in every position. "Therefore, the match against Cameroon is also a match in which we have to improve ourselves. So I take it very seriously in many aspects," Denmark and Japan, both on three points will battle it out in Rustenburg in a must-win game for the Danes. A draw would see Japan go through on goal-difference and Denmark manager Morten Olsen seems to be confident to the extreme. "I just can't see us losing. It's something that we feel deep down – maybe that seems arrogant, but we're perfectly aware of our strengths," he said. "Team morale is extremely high. There's a great atmosphere in the squad, and that's crucial in a team sport,"
