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.