Alright so here we go. My final predictions for what will happen at the 2010 World Cup. I waited this long because I wanted to see how teams played in their final warmup matches and what injuries might pop up. And boy did the injuries pop up. Michael Ballack as well as Rene Adler and Heiko Westermann all out for Germany. Humberto Suazo out for Chile, John Obi-Mikel out for Nigeria, Michael Essien out for Ghana, Rio Ferdinand out for for England, Andrea Pirlo returning to Italy to undergo tests and will certainly miss at least their opener as well as Mauro Camoranesi having to undergo tests to determine his fitness. Julio Cesar possibly missing Brazil's first game, Arjen Robben not flying to South Africa with the rest of the Dutch squad so he can undergo tests but things aren't looking as bad as first feared and he could be available for all games. Oscar Cardozo looking like he will miss the entire World Cup while Ivory Coast fear Didier Drogba may miss out as well due to a broken arm. However, reports say he may be available toward the end. The latest news is that Nani, the Portuguese winger will miss due to a broken collar bone. Andres Iniesta picking up a knock against Poland but tests show nothing serious and it also looks like Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres will both be fully fit for the opener.
With all these injuries some of my predictions do change. I had initially had Ghana finishing second behind Serbia in group D but with Essien out I have changed that pick to Australia. I still see the rash of injuries Germany has suffered as too much for them to overcome in a strong group. I initially picked Italy to finish second in group F and with their rash of injuries and their age, this does not change. Now I have doubts as the if they can even make it out of the group stages but luckily for them they are helped by a weak group. Also with the Ivory Coast and Portugal both losing key players my doubts about each team grows. If Nani had not been injured I would consider putting Portugal ahead of Ivory Coast but with his exit I still think Ivory Coast will make it through.
So my round of 16 would look like this: Uruguay taking on Nigeria, Argentina taking of Mexico, England facing off against Australia, and the USA taking on Serbia. On the other side of the bracket we have the Netherlands playing Italy in one of the best games in this round while opposite them Paraguay will take on Cameroon in another interesting match. The final two matches would be Brazil playing fellow South American side Chile, while Spain would face off against the Ivory Coast.
Some of these games seem pretty straight forward such as England beating Australia but England's recent warm up matches have been anything but impressive. In fact, England has looked extremely pedestrian and even needed 2 own goals from Japan to win 2-1. Also a sharper Mexico team would have demolished the tired and sluggish looking English side. You would also think Argentina should walk away easily against Mexico, who has found it hard to score lately, but Argentina has not looked overly impressive as of late either.
I personally see the round of 16 playing out this way: Nigeria squeaking by Uruguay because of their attacking playing style, Argentina taking care of a Mexico team who will have a hard time scoring, England barely getting past Australia, and the USA losing out in a close and entertaining game against Serbia (I know you wont like reading that but I just think Serbia is better). The Netherlands will take of Italy in the first big name matchup while the Dutch flying past the old Italians. Cameroon should be able to get by Paraguay but don't count out the South America side. Brazil should ease past Chile though Chile is a strong team who could shock the powerhouse. And finally I see Spain finishing off either the Ivory Coast or Portugal as they are just too strong of a team.
The quarter-finals should then look like this: England facing Nigeria, Argentina lining up against Serbia, Holland facing Brazil, and Cameroon taking of the Spanish. My favorite match up of this round, and I think most would agree, is Holland vs. Brazil. It should be a great game to watch with lots of open play and great skill displayed.
As weak as England looks at the moment they should be able to move past Nigeria and into the Semi's. However, if they do face Uruguay or Mexico again, look out if you're and English fan. I like Argentina to move on based more on the great players they have than the results they have achieved. Serbia, with a great defense, could take out the Argie's and move on to the semi's but again I like Argentina in this game. Brazil-Holland should be a fun game but I think Brazil is the better side and remember they are the only nation to win a would cup outside its own continent. I like Brazil to move on in a high scoring, exciting game. And finally, Spain are just too strong and should be able to move past Cameroon.
All of this would lead to a semi-final round that will match up England vs. Brazil and Argentina vs. Spain. Like I said, I think England is weak right now but they had a great draw and have a fairly easy path to the semi's. However, once here I think Brazil will destroy England and show just how poor they are. In the other match up I like Spain. As I have said, Spain is the deepest, most talented team from end to end in this World Cup and they will make the final.
Brazil will take on Spain in the final, in what should be a very good game. Can Spain continue their normal possession game against a great attacking team like Brazil? Can Brazil get enough of the ball to put pressure on what some view as a weak back line (I agree that Sergio Ramos on the right side is weak and Carles Puyol in the middle is not as good as he once was, but Gerard Pique is still the best center back in the world)?
In the end I just can't see Spain losing a single game. They have only lost once in 40+ matches (I think the last count was 47). To you USA fans you will know just who beat them. Spain is the most talented team, has the best midfield and the best strike partnership in the world.
Spain is my pick
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Group H
Well we have finally reached the final group analysis. Enjoy
Spain (FIFA world rank 2, 13th appearance)
Spain, like Holland, is one of the best teams to never have won the world cup. Spain have always been considered underachievers until their Euro 2008 victory. Now Spain is considered the favorite to win this world cup. Qualification was a breeze for the Spaniards, easily finishing top of their group winning all 10 of their matches and boasting a +23 goal differential. Spain also had not lost a match in 30+ games until they lost to the US in the confederations cup last summer.
Spain has stars all over the field and many on the bench as well. They have the best strike partnership in the world with Fernando Torres and David Villa. These two play great together and know what to do in front of goal. The midfield is led by Xavi and Iniesta, the 2 best midfielders in the world. Also in the midfield is Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, and David Silva. That is 4 star players for only 2 spots. In defense, Spain have Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Joan Capdevila, and Raul Albiol. Again, more players that spots on the field. Even in goal there are 3 starters almost anywhere else with Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, and Pepe Reina. This is a great team with great players and should be the favorite.
Switzerland (24, 9)
Switzerland qualified top of their group beating out Greece and Latvia in the weakest of the UEFA groups. However, they were impressive, losing only once in 10 matches. They are a good team but not deep. They have talent across the board but lack depth should injury or suspension occur.
Alexander Frei is the goal scorer for the Swiss and has done so at all levels. Johan Vonlanthen is another striker who is fast and technically gifted. Philippe Senderos will anchor a back line that hopes to deter all opponents with a suffocating defense.
Chile (18, 9)
Chile finished second in the South American qualifying table. They beat out Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are a strong attacking and aggressive team. Expect to see them attack in waves and tackle hard when they lose the ball.
Humberto Suazo was expected to led the team and score plenty of goals, but a recent injury looks to keep him out of the world cup. He is still undergoing treatment for a torn hamstring and is taking medication that could be deemed illegal which whould certainly disqualify him. However, Chile with still have Claudio Bravo in goal to lead as well as Fabian Orellana. Chile have many well known players who practice their trade in Europe.
Honduras (38, 2)
Honduras returns to the world cup after a 28 year absence. They finished third in the CONCACAF qualification group based on goal differential over Costa Rica. Honduras actually gave up the fewest goals in the group allowing only 11, however, that is still more than 1 a game as they played 10 matches.
Honduras have the likes of Wilson Palacios, Julio Cesar Leon, and Edgar Alvarez leading the team. Carlos Pavon was the leading goal scorer during qualifying, scoring 7 of their 17 goals.
Predictions:
This group is well set up for Spain to sweep through. I really see no reason why Spain will not win every match and convincingly. The only way Spain doesn't win is because they choke, but I just don't see it. Chile is the next best team in my opinion but after losing their leading scorer things could be tough for them. I don't see Honduras doing much but they could manage a draw or 2. I think it comes down to the Swiss-Chile match. Whoever, wins this match will finish second in the group.
Spain (FIFA world rank 2, 13th appearance)
Spain, like Holland, is one of the best teams to never have won the world cup. Spain have always been considered underachievers until their Euro 2008 victory. Now Spain is considered the favorite to win this world cup. Qualification was a breeze for the Spaniards, easily finishing top of their group winning all 10 of their matches and boasting a +23 goal differential. Spain also had not lost a match in 30+ games until they lost to the US in the confederations cup last summer.
Spain has stars all over the field and many on the bench as well. They have the best strike partnership in the world with Fernando Torres and David Villa. These two play great together and know what to do in front of goal. The midfield is led by Xavi and Iniesta, the 2 best midfielders in the world. Also in the midfield is Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, and David Silva. That is 4 star players for only 2 spots. In defense, Spain have Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa, Joan Capdevila, and Raul Albiol. Again, more players that spots on the field. Even in goal there are 3 starters almost anywhere else with Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, and Pepe Reina. This is a great team with great players and should be the favorite.
Switzerland (24, 9)
Switzerland qualified top of their group beating out Greece and Latvia in the weakest of the UEFA groups. However, they were impressive, losing only once in 10 matches. They are a good team but not deep. They have talent across the board but lack depth should injury or suspension occur.
Alexander Frei is the goal scorer for the Swiss and has done so at all levels. Johan Vonlanthen is another striker who is fast and technically gifted. Philippe Senderos will anchor a back line that hopes to deter all opponents with a suffocating defense.
Chile (18, 9)
Chile finished second in the South American qualifying table. They beat out Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are a strong attacking and aggressive team. Expect to see them attack in waves and tackle hard when they lose the ball.
Humberto Suazo was expected to led the team and score plenty of goals, but a recent injury looks to keep him out of the world cup. He is still undergoing treatment for a torn hamstring and is taking medication that could be deemed illegal which whould certainly disqualify him. However, Chile with still have Claudio Bravo in goal to lead as well as Fabian Orellana. Chile have many well known players who practice their trade in Europe.
Honduras (38, 2)
Honduras returns to the world cup after a 28 year absence. They finished third in the CONCACAF qualification group based on goal differential over Costa Rica. Honduras actually gave up the fewest goals in the group allowing only 11, however, that is still more than 1 a game as they played 10 matches.
Honduras have the likes of Wilson Palacios, Julio Cesar Leon, and Edgar Alvarez leading the team. Carlos Pavon was the leading goal scorer during qualifying, scoring 7 of their 17 goals.
Predictions:
This group is well set up for Spain to sweep through. I really see no reason why Spain will not win every match and convincingly. The only way Spain doesn't win is because they choke, but I just don't see it. Chile is the next best team in my opinion but after losing their leading scorer things could be tough for them. I don't see Honduras doing much but they could manage a draw or 2. I think it comes down to the Swiss-Chile match. Whoever, wins this match will finish second in the group.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Group G
With 1 week to go until the World Cup starts I delve into the tricky group G.
Brazil (FIFA world rank 1, 19th appearance (5 time winner))
Brazil is the only nation to have qualified and played in every single world cup. They are also the nation with the most World Cup titles with a total of 5 (Italy is second with 4 and Germany third with 3). Brazil qualified for this world cup by winning the South American qualifying group and they secured there spot in South Africa by beating their fiercest rival Argentina. Brazil had some hiccups in qualifying and they started fairly slowly. However, they managed to do enough to finish top of the table. This time around they had many more draws than they would have preferred, but a draw is better than a loss.
Brazil will be lead by coach Dunga. The former player, captain, and world cup winner for Brazil (at USA 94) took over the team in 07 as his first coaching job. Like I said, the team started out slowly but then quickly took to Dunga's style and started bringing home the victories, including the 2009 Confederations Cup trophy (beating the USA 3-2). Brazil is littered with talent up and down the field and you can see just how talented they are when they leave out players like Ronaldo, Adriano, and Ronaldinho. However, players such as Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Dani Alves, Maicon, and Julio Caesar have all made the trip. Dunga was known for his hard tackling and no non-sense style and he has imparted that in his new team. While this team is more pragmatic than they once were, they can still attack in waves and in great style. Brazil will play some of the most entertaining soccer at this world cup
Portugal (3, 5)
Portugal enters this world cup hoping to only slight build on their 06 WC performance where they finished in 4th. That slight improvement this WC could mean their first ever World Cup title. However, questions have come up about this version of the Portugal team as even though they are ranked 3rd in the world they do not seem to be as good as the 06 team. They qualified second in their group behind Denmark and they weren't that impressive. They only finished 1 point ahead of Sweden and 3 ahead of Hungary for that second place. They then beat Bosnia-Heregovina in their playoff but only just. BH hit the post 3 times in quick succession and had any of those gone in then Portugal might not even be at this world cup.
Portugal will of course be led by former world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. Possibly the most technically gifted player on the planet, Ronaldo transfered from Manchester United to Real Madrid last summer for a record fee of 100 million euros. Ronaldo has scored goals in bunches at the club level, but like Leo Messi, has failed to make the dramatic impression on the national stage as the likes of Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo (the Brazilian), and Romario have. However, he can carry a team on his back. The other problem for this team is the center of defense and midfield. They are not as strong in these places as they were last world cup but are hoping some young talent can fill in and make that leap forward. The likes of Nani, Pepe and Miguel Veloso will be expected to step up.
Ivory Coast (27, 2)
The Ivory Coast has been touted by many to be the African nation with the best chance to win the world cup. However, in each of the last 2 world cup's (their only WC appearances) they have had poor luck in the draw and been forced into the so-called "group of death". The Ivory Coast has a team full of players who have made big impacts in European club soccer. However, this group may be too much for them. They qualified fairly easily, topping their group with a +15 goal differential in only 6 games.
The Ivory Coast will utilize players such as Gervinho, Bakari Kone, Salomon Kalou, Emmanuel Eboue, and the Toure brothers, Yaya and Kolo. These players are all big time players in European club soccer and have great experience. They play well together as a team and can attack brilliantly (they have been likened to Brazil in this regard). However, a recent blow has come to this team. Their top scorer and captain, Didier Drogba, broke his elbow in a friendly warm up match against Japan and is now expected to miss the entire World Cup. This is a huge blow to a team with high expectations and could be the death of them.
North Korea (105, 2)
North Korea, or Korea DPR, is the lowest ranked team in this world cup. They qualified by finished second behind South Korea and by having a better goal differential over Saudi Arabia (both teams finished on 12 points but NK has a +2 goal differential or SA's even). North Korea also only scored 7 goals in 8 games and relied heavily on a strong defense to earn their birth at this world cup.
North Korea is very much an major unknown. Most of their team plays in the North Korean league so very few players are known internationally. Mun In-Guk was their leading goal scorer in the qualifiers but he only scored twice. Ri Jun-Il led the team in appearances. The only thing that is truly known about this team is that they will play strong defensively and only counter attack. They will concede possession to anyone they play. However, I don't think their defense will be strong enough to keep out the likes of Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast.
Predictions:
In my opinion, the first game in this group will decide it. Portugal and the Ivory Coast will play each other and the winner of this game will finish in second. I don't believe that North Korea will win a game or even get a draw or a goal. I think Brazil will go into the last game on 6 points and will play Portugal only needing a draw to secure top spot. This could work in Portugal's favor but with Ivory Coast playing North Korea in their last game, they may only need to win by a certain margin in order to finish second. And knowing that can really help a team out. At first I predicted the Ivory Coast to finish second in this group after beating Portugal and North Korea while losing to Brazil. I also thought Portugal would draw or lose to Brazil in the final game meaning Brazil would finish on 7, Ivory Coast on 6 and Portugal on 4. However, with the recent injury to Drogba I have questions. Who will take of the scoring for the Ivory Coast. Yes they still have a great team with lots of talent but they don't have that recognized goal scorer anymore. This could be a massive blow to the Ivory Coast even with Portugal struggling. I now think that the Portugal-Ivory Coast game will end in a draw which means that going into the last day, Brazil will be leading the group with 6 points and be assured of progressing. Portugal will be on 4 points and would need either a draw or better goal differential to move on. Ivory Coast would be on 1 point but would be playing North Korea knowing that a win by a big enough margin could put them into the knock out stages. Since Brazil would want to finish top of the group and knowing a draw would do so, I could see them play Portugal to a draw so both sides could move on. However, Brazil is very competitive and could easily win. I think Brazil would win the game at which point it comes down to goal differential to see if either the Ivory Coast of Portugal move on. I am still giving the advantage to the Ivory Coast because of Portugal's recent struggles but with Cristiano Ronaldo on their side who knows what will happen.
Brazil (FIFA world rank 1, 19th appearance (5 time winner))
Brazil is the only nation to have qualified and played in every single world cup. They are also the nation with the most World Cup titles with a total of 5 (Italy is second with 4 and Germany third with 3). Brazil qualified for this world cup by winning the South American qualifying group and they secured there spot in South Africa by beating their fiercest rival Argentina. Brazil had some hiccups in qualifying and they started fairly slowly. However, they managed to do enough to finish top of the table. This time around they had many more draws than they would have preferred, but a draw is better than a loss.
Brazil will be lead by coach Dunga. The former player, captain, and world cup winner for Brazil (at USA 94) took over the team in 07 as his first coaching job. Like I said, the team started out slowly but then quickly took to Dunga's style and started bringing home the victories, including the 2009 Confederations Cup trophy (beating the USA 3-2). Brazil is littered with talent up and down the field and you can see just how talented they are when they leave out players like Ronaldo, Adriano, and Ronaldinho. However, players such as Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Dani Alves, Maicon, and Julio Caesar have all made the trip. Dunga was known for his hard tackling and no non-sense style and he has imparted that in his new team. While this team is more pragmatic than they once were, they can still attack in waves and in great style. Brazil will play some of the most entertaining soccer at this world cup
Portugal (3, 5)
Portugal enters this world cup hoping to only slight build on their 06 WC performance where they finished in 4th. That slight improvement this WC could mean their first ever World Cup title. However, questions have come up about this version of the Portugal team as even though they are ranked 3rd in the world they do not seem to be as good as the 06 team. They qualified second in their group behind Denmark and they weren't that impressive. They only finished 1 point ahead of Sweden and 3 ahead of Hungary for that second place. They then beat Bosnia-Heregovina in their playoff but only just. BH hit the post 3 times in quick succession and had any of those gone in then Portugal might not even be at this world cup.
Portugal will of course be led by former world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. Possibly the most technically gifted player on the planet, Ronaldo transfered from Manchester United to Real Madrid last summer for a record fee of 100 million euros. Ronaldo has scored goals in bunches at the club level, but like Leo Messi, has failed to make the dramatic impression on the national stage as the likes of Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo (the Brazilian), and Romario have. However, he can carry a team on his back. The other problem for this team is the center of defense and midfield. They are not as strong in these places as they were last world cup but are hoping some young talent can fill in and make that leap forward. The likes of Nani, Pepe and Miguel Veloso will be expected to step up.
Ivory Coast (27, 2)
The Ivory Coast has been touted by many to be the African nation with the best chance to win the world cup. However, in each of the last 2 world cup's (their only WC appearances) they have had poor luck in the draw and been forced into the so-called "group of death". The Ivory Coast has a team full of players who have made big impacts in European club soccer. However, this group may be too much for them. They qualified fairly easily, topping their group with a +15 goal differential in only 6 games.
The Ivory Coast will utilize players such as Gervinho, Bakari Kone, Salomon Kalou, Emmanuel Eboue, and the Toure brothers, Yaya and Kolo. These players are all big time players in European club soccer and have great experience. They play well together as a team and can attack brilliantly (they have been likened to Brazil in this regard). However, a recent blow has come to this team. Their top scorer and captain, Didier Drogba, broke his elbow in a friendly warm up match against Japan and is now expected to miss the entire World Cup. This is a huge blow to a team with high expectations and could be the death of them.
North Korea (105, 2)
North Korea, or Korea DPR, is the lowest ranked team in this world cup. They qualified by finished second behind South Korea and by having a better goal differential over Saudi Arabia (both teams finished on 12 points but NK has a +2 goal differential or SA's even). North Korea also only scored 7 goals in 8 games and relied heavily on a strong defense to earn their birth at this world cup.
North Korea is very much an major unknown. Most of their team plays in the North Korean league so very few players are known internationally. Mun In-Guk was their leading goal scorer in the qualifiers but he only scored twice. Ri Jun-Il led the team in appearances. The only thing that is truly known about this team is that they will play strong defensively and only counter attack. They will concede possession to anyone they play. However, I don't think their defense will be strong enough to keep out the likes of Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast.
Predictions:
In my opinion, the first game in this group will decide it. Portugal and the Ivory Coast will play each other and the winner of this game will finish in second. I don't believe that North Korea will win a game or even get a draw or a goal. I think Brazil will go into the last game on 6 points and will play Portugal only needing a draw to secure top spot. This could work in Portugal's favor but with Ivory Coast playing North Korea in their last game, they may only need to win by a certain margin in order to finish second. And knowing that can really help a team out. At first I predicted the Ivory Coast to finish second in this group after beating Portugal and North Korea while losing to Brazil. I also thought Portugal would draw or lose to Brazil in the final game meaning Brazil would finish on 7, Ivory Coast on 6 and Portugal on 4. However, with the recent injury to Drogba I have questions. Who will take of the scoring for the Ivory Coast. Yes they still have a great team with lots of talent but they don't have that recognized goal scorer anymore. This could be a massive blow to the Ivory Coast even with Portugal struggling. I now think that the Portugal-Ivory Coast game will end in a draw which means that going into the last day, Brazil will be leading the group with 6 points and be assured of progressing. Portugal will be on 4 points and would need either a draw or better goal differential to move on. Ivory Coast would be on 1 point but would be playing North Korea knowing that a win by a big enough margin could put them into the knock out stages. Since Brazil would want to finish top of the group and knowing a draw would do so, I could see them play Portugal to a draw so both sides could move on. However, Brazil is very competitive and could easily win. I think Brazil would win the game at which point it comes down to goal differential to see if either the Ivory Coast of Portugal move on. I am still giving the advantage to the Ivory Coast because of Portugal's recent struggles but with Cristiano Ronaldo on their side who knows what will happen.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Group F
Now on to group F with features Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia
Italy (FIFA Rank 5, 17th appearance (4 time winner))
Italy is a great team and are second only to Brazil in total World Cup's won. Italy qualified top of their group without losing again and with a +11 goal differential. Italy won the 06 world cup and then coach Lippi left. However, the team wasn't performing up to standards so the Italian Federation brought Marcelo Lippi back in as head coach. He will once again leave after this world cup, as will many of his players.
Italy was decided to bring along most of the same players who were involved in the 06 victory, however, the problem is that most of those players were old then and are even older now. Gennaro Gattuso is now 33, Mauro Camoranesi is 33, Andrea Pirlo is 31, Fabio Grosso is 33, Fabio Cannavaro is 36, Gianluca Zambrotta is 33, and Gianluigi Buffon is 32. These are the keys players for Italy and all are over 30. There is no fresh new talent into this team and this team has the feeling of being familiar and just older, not better.
Paraguay (31, 9)
Paraguay qualified in 3rd place in CONEMBOL ahead of Argentina. Paraguay is a strong team and has played in the last 4 world cups. They have become a regular power in South America and qualification is always expected now.
Paraguay will be led by leading scorer Salvador Cabanas and Roque Santa Cruz. Expect Paraguay to play a more counter attacking style but with lots of pressure and trying to build up possession when they have the ball. Paraguay will be a strong team in this group and will produce entertaining games
Slovakia (34, 9)
This is Slovakia's first appearance as Slovakia as they previously played as Czechloslovakia. Slovakia qualified first in their group ahead of the Czech Republic and Poland. They managed to score more than 2 goals a game but also game up a goal a game as well.
The Slovaks will be led by Martin Skrtel and Martin Petras in defence, and by Stanislav Sestak their leading scorer in qualification. Slovakia likes to attack and push forward and will have that opportunity in this group. Their defense isn't the best and can be exploited so expect their games to have goals in them.
New Zealand (78, 2)
This is the second World Cup appearance for the All Whites and they have yet to win a game. They qualified first in Oceania, as expected, with little trouble. The region formerly dominated by the Aussies is now New Zealand's to own. However, Oceania does not have an automatic qualifying spot and stunned many by winning their two legged playoff vs. Bahrain.
New Zealand will be led by Shane Smeltz, Simon Elliot, and Andrew Boyens. Most of New Zealand's lineup plays in New Zealand and aren't well known. However, some have moved overseas and have made names for themselves. Not much is expected from the All White's as they appear to be clearly over matched. In the Confederations Cup last summer New Zealand lost all 3 games and not much more is expected this summer.
Predictions:
Italy is a team that traditionally starts slowly though last world cup they won 2-0 over Ghana in their first match. However, like I said, Italy is not any better, just 4 years older. Italy's first match is against Paraguay and the South American side should be able to pull out at least a draw if not a win. I expect New Zealand to not win a game and may not score a goal but they will play hard. This means the other 3 teams will all have at least 3 points. I think Italy does lose their first game but wins their next two to finish on 6 points. I believe Paraguay will defeat Italy, then draw with Slovakia before finally defeating New Zealand to finish on 7 points and top the group. This leaves Slovakia on 4 points after their win over New Zealand, draw with Paraguay and loss to Italy. This group should make for an interesting final day in the group as Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay will all be fighting for a place in the knockout round. Paraguay and Slovakia will both be on 4 and Italy will be on 3 so any team could move forward. But I like Paraguay to finish first and Italy second.
Italy (FIFA Rank 5, 17th appearance (4 time winner))
Italy is a great team and are second only to Brazil in total World Cup's won. Italy qualified top of their group without losing again and with a +11 goal differential. Italy won the 06 world cup and then coach Lippi left. However, the team wasn't performing up to standards so the Italian Federation brought Marcelo Lippi back in as head coach. He will once again leave after this world cup, as will many of his players.
Italy was decided to bring along most of the same players who were involved in the 06 victory, however, the problem is that most of those players were old then and are even older now. Gennaro Gattuso is now 33, Mauro Camoranesi is 33, Andrea Pirlo is 31, Fabio Grosso is 33, Fabio Cannavaro is 36, Gianluca Zambrotta is 33, and Gianluigi Buffon is 32. These are the keys players for Italy and all are over 30. There is no fresh new talent into this team and this team has the feeling of being familiar and just older, not better.
Paraguay (31, 9)
Paraguay qualified in 3rd place in CONEMBOL ahead of Argentina. Paraguay is a strong team and has played in the last 4 world cups. They have become a regular power in South America and qualification is always expected now.
Paraguay will be led by leading scorer Salvador Cabanas and Roque Santa Cruz. Expect Paraguay to play a more counter attacking style but with lots of pressure and trying to build up possession when they have the ball. Paraguay will be a strong team in this group and will produce entertaining games
Slovakia (34, 9)
This is Slovakia's first appearance as Slovakia as they previously played as Czechloslovakia. Slovakia qualified first in their group ahead of the Czech Republic and Poland. They managed to score more than 2 goals a game but also game up a goal a game as well.
The Slovaks will be led by Martin Skrtel and Martin Petras in defence, and by Stanislav Sestak their leading scorer in qualification. Slovakia likes to attack and push forward and will have that opportunity in this group. Their defense isn't the best and can be exploited so expect their games to have goals in them.
New Zealand (78, 2)
This is the second World Cup appearance for the All Whites and they have yet to win a game. They qualified first in Oceania, as expected, with little trouble. The region formerly dominated by the Aussies is now New Zealand's to own. However, Oceania does not have an automatic qualifying spot and stunned many by winning their two legged playoff vs. Bahrain.
New Zealand will be led by Shane Smeltz, Simon Elliot, and Andrew Boyens. Most of New Zealand's lineup plays in New Zealand and aren't well known. However, some have moved overseas and have made names for themselves. Not much is expected from the All White's as they appear to be clearly over matched. In the Confederations Cup last summer New Zealand lost all 3 games and not much more is expected this summer.
Predictions:
Italy is a team that traditionally starts slowly though last world cup they won 2-0 over Ghana in their first match. However, like I said, Italy is not any better, just 4 years older. Italy's first match is against Paraguay and the South American side should be able to pull out at least a draw if not a win. I expect New Zealand to not win a game and may not score a goal but they will play hard. This means the other 3 teams will all have at least 3 points. I think Italy does lose their first game but wins their next two to finish on 6 points. I believe Paraguay will defeat Italy, then draw with Slovakia before finally defeating New Zealand to finish on 7 points and top the group. This leaves Slovakia on 4 points after their win over New Zealand, draw with Paraguay and loss to Italy. This group should make for an interesting final day in the group as Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay will all be fighting for a place in the knockout round. Paraguay and Slovakia will both be on 4 and Italy will be on 3 so any team could move forward. But I like Paraguay to finish first and Italy second.
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