Notorious slow-starters Italy hope to find some winning form at the World Cup on Thursday and avoid the fate of fellow European soccer power France who returned home in disgrace.Italy's two draws against supposedly inferior opposition have epitomised the stuttering early form of Europe's big guns.Latin American teams, by contrast, have dominated the first round while only Ghana look like continuing to fly the African flag in the first tournament on their continent.By far the biggest flops are France who arrived home after a first-round exit and players' revolt that appalled the nation. Media and a few supporters were kept at a distance when the team flew into an airport near Paris under police protection.So traumatic was France's failure that President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered a shake-up of French soccer and met team captain Thierry Henry as soon as he arrived back on Thursday.World Cup holders Italy, whose ageing team are a shadow of the 2006 glory side, need to beat Slovakia -- bottom of Group F -- to be sure of getting into the knockout stage. A draw would do if group leaders Paraguay beat minnows New Zealand.GROUP E CLIMAXIn Thursday's other games, Netherlands, who have looked solid if not inspired, are already through in Group E and will play a meaningless tie against Cameroon who are out.Japan and Denmark play in the group's other match, where the Danes must win but the Asians need only a draw.Germany, who could have suffered a humiliating first round elimination, went through after beating Ghana's Black Stars 1-0 in a tight match on Wednesday. Now they face old rivals England on Sunday in one of several mouth-watering second round games.In 31 encounters stretching back to 1908, the Germans have won 10 times, drawn six and lost 15. "The joy of preparing for (the) England match is huge," German coach Joachim Loew said.England raised their game against Slovenia on Wednesday from two dismal draws and were always in control, though still below best, in beating Slovenia by a Jermain Defoe goal in Group C.They have hardly looked world-beaters, but confidence is rising. "It starts here -- it's a knockout. How you played in the group didn't mean anything," midfielder Frank Lampard said.Slovenia looked as if they would be the second qualifying team until the final minutes of the other Group C match on Wednesday when the United States agonisingly took their place.Landon Donovan's last-gasp goal eliminated Algeria, another of the record six African teams who started the tournament, and left the United States top of the group above England.MOURINHO INSPIRES MARADONADespite their shock 1-1 draw with Italy, New Zealand look set to go out along with Slovakia unless they pull off an unlikely victory against Paraguay, part of the Latin American power-trip at the World Cup, typified by Argentina.Their coach Diego Maradona is ecstatic at his free-flowing team's perfect start with three wins out of three. They face slick-passing Mexico in the last 16 on Sunday.Maradona has revealed he takes inspiration from one of the world's most successful club managers: Jose Mourinho."I've got his phone number, I might call him," he said, adding the pair had spent hours in the past discussing tactics.Maradona, who famously guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 believes the jewel in his crown -- world player of the year Lionel Messi -- could just emulate his feat."Leo is ready to go out onto a pitch and leave it with the crown," the infectiously enthusiastic coach said, also praising his "thrilling" striker Carlos Tevez. "I love my team." (Writing by Andrew Cawthorne and Barry Moody; Editing by Michael Holden)News posted by www.newsinfoline.com
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