Updated on
Summary
Italy started the defense of its World Cup soccer title last night with a 1-1 tie against Paraguay. The Netherlands and Japan both won their first games.Italy, aiming to match Brazils record five titles, rallied in the second half in driving rain in Cape Town, South Africa, with Daniele De Rossi scoring after 63 minutes. Antolin Alcaraz gave Paraguay a 39th-minute lead in the Group F opener.We played well and deserved to win, Italy coach Marcello Lippi told reporters. Unfortunately, they scored from the only dangerous situation they created. Then we had a great reaction from our team, we responded well. But we have to be more effective.Italy, which has progressed from the group stage at the past eight World Cups, and Paraguay each have one point, with New Zealand and Slovakia set to play their first match today.In yesterdays Group E matches, the Netherlands won 2-0 against Denmark, while Japan beat Cameroon 1-0.
