Kamil Kopúnek 's late goal against Italy helped propel Slovakia into the round of 16 Slovakia eliminated defending champions Italy from the World Cup. First round groups E and F were decided on Thursday: Japan, Paraguay and the Netherlands progress alongside Slovakia. When a team finishes third or fourth in a group, they are on their way home. After the elimination of France, runners-up in 2006, it was the turn of the reigning champions. Slovakia met Italy in their first World Cup finals as an independent country. After 81 minutes, the Azzuri (Italy) were down by two goals, both struck by Róbert Vittek , when they got one back. They were denied a chance to equalize by a rebound from a Slovak knee on the goal line. Their next goal was disallowed as offside . The Slovaks strengthened their lead when a gross positioning error by Italy led to a goal from a corner . Italy scored their second goal in the closing moments of the game, but it wasn't enough, and the Azzuri were out of the tournament.
 's late goal against Italy helped propel into the round of 16 Slovakia eliminated defending champions Italy from the World Cup. First round groups E and F were decided on Thursday: Japan, Paraguay and the Netherlands progress alongside Slovakia. When a team finishes third or fourth in a group, they are on their way home. After the elimination of France, runners-up in 2006, it was the turn of the reigning champions. Slovakia met Italy in their first as an independent country. After 81 minutes, the Azzuri (Italy) were down by two goals, both struck by , when they got one back. They were denied a chance to equalize by a rebound from a Slovak knee on the goal line. Their next goal was disallowed as . The Slovaks strengthened their lead when a gross positioning error by Italy led to a goal from a . Italy scored their second goal in the closing moments of the game, but it wasn't enough, and the Azzuri were out of the tournament.
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Kamil Kopúnek
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Slovakia
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World Cup finals
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Róbert Vittek
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offside
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corner