World Cup 2010 - Group F

Italy

Paraguay

New Zealand

Slovakia


Group Strength
Spain, Holland, Brazil, Germany, all these teams face somewhat tricky routes out of their group. Group F, however, contains no such problems for Italy. While the group contains the holders, neither New Zealand nor Slovakia hold any real weight on the international scene. This is only the All Whites' second World Cup, while 2010 is Slovakia's debut. Paraguay have previous experience at the World Cup, but have never progressed beyond the last 16. Don't expect anyone but Italy to reach beyond the round of 16 from this group.

Group Favourites
Without doubt Italy are considered favourites to top this group. While they did not perform to their best during qualification, the holders will have enough to see off their immediate opposition. Marcello Lippi has picked a strong squad for the tournament, surprisingly leaving out Giuseppe Rossi, and will look to be going all the way. Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Di Natale, and Gianluigi Buffon will be Italy’s leaders through Group F and it will be hoped that one or two more players can step up to the mark. They should have no problem qualifying for the round of 16 and with Cameroon their likely opponents there, should make at least the ¼ finals.

Battle for Second
Having picked up wins against both Argentina and Brazil during the South American qualification phase, Paraguay showed that they will be no pushovers on the big stage. They conceded less than a goal a game during qualifying, while the likes of Man City’s Roque Santa Cruz and Salvador Cabanas will be leading the line which should mean scoring a few goals against New Zealand and Slovakia. Like Italy, the Paraguayan mentality is more inclined towards defence than attack and they should have enough going forward to secure second place in the group.

The Outsiders
It's a toss up between New Zealand and Slovakia to see who will finish bottom of the group. New Zealand's only previous appearance in the World Cup finals came in 1982, when they lost all three matches. Slovakia have the stellar Marek Hamsik in their ranks and came through a far more difficult qualifying campaign than the All Whites, but their lack of experience at the very top level may hinder them a little. The likes of Ryan Nelson and Rory Fallon, who are plying their trade in English football, should mean New Zealand pick up their first ever world cup point against Slovakia. That alone will make this a world cup to remember for the All Whites.

Going Forward
Italy and Cameroon should face off in the last 16 and the Azzurri should get through that with no problems. Paraguay, the most likely runners up in Group F, should meet the Netherlands and will go no further. Group F will not make a mark on the 2010 World Cup and seeing the weakness of this group should make Irish fans even more annoyed that we are not involved.

Fixtures
Italy – Paraguay, June 14th, (19.30)
New Zealand – Slovakia, June 15th, (12.30)
Slovakia – Paraguay, June 20th, (12.30)
Italy – New Zealand, June 20th, (15.00)
Slovakia – Italy, June 24th, (15.00)
Paraguay – New Zealand, June 24th, (15.00)

Prediction
1st – Italy
2nd – Paraguay
3rd – Slovakia
4th - New Zealand