Defending World Cup champions Italy looked nothing like the Azzurri of old, and simply looked old on Monday, needing a late goal by Daniele De Rossi to scrape out a 1-1 tie against Paraguay.

The Azzurri weren’t the only favorites not performing up to expectations, as Cameroon looked less than stellar in a 1-0 loss to Japan.

The Netherlands didn’t need Arjen Roben to get a 2-0 win over Denmark, but did need a solid contribution from substitute Eljero Elia, who may have played himself into a starting role and - in just 23 minutes of work - is drawing comparisons to some all-time greats.

More World Cup links:

• Italy made a curious sub at halftime, replacing legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. There are conflicting reports as to why the replacement was made. Was it his back, his hamstring or something else?

• Speaking of goalies, Tim Howard has been cleared for the U.S.’s game versus Slovenia. Rejoice!

• A lot of questions will be answered Tuesday in Group G, like will Didier Drogba be able to play for Ivory Coast, and what does North Korea bring to the table?

• Although there have been negative incidents such as a workers riot in Durban and a photographer being robbed, increases in crime are to be expected with events of the World Cup's magnitude, and, so far, South Africa has proved naysayers wrong.

• Annoyed by the vuvuzelas? Technology website PocketLint.com has discovered a way to adjust the TV settings to tune out the incessant horns.

• Sunday’s match between Algeria and Slovenia was the first world Cup game ever played on artificial turf, with the Polokwane venue using a surface with artificial grass fibers woven between and beneath natural grass. Both teams were unimpressed.

Picture(s) of the day:



Cameroon fans react to the Indomitable Lions' upset loss to Japan. (AP Photo)



A fan reacts after Japan upsets Cameroon 1-0 for the Blue Samurai's first ever World Cup victory on foreign soil. (AP Photo)

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by e-mail at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.