Group F

Group F

Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay, New Zealand

In my mind this is one of the more straight forward groups in World Cup 2010. I think the more casual fan of the game might be surprised at how it shakes out but if you had an eye on qualifying Group F is likely to follow a script.

Italy- Of all the world powers Italy are the most likely to underwhelm in the group stages of a tournament. They are also the most likely to turn it around and go on a run. It is a little strange to think they are the actual title holders as this team feels and looks very different from the squad that won in Germany. I see the Italians as a national team in transition. There is a whole crop of young players in their early 20s that are capable of shining on the big stage, but the older generation are not quite out the door. It will be interesting to see if Marcelo Lippi gives the Camoranesi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Cannavaro crowd one last turn or if guys like Santon, Montolivo, Pepe, and maybe Aquafresca make this their own team. There is a strange discord between Lippi and Antonio Cassano which makes his inclusion all but impossible. That is too bad as Cassano is a player of rare ability that could provide this team with a creative spark in attack. Ther personnel aside the way Italy will play is not a mystery: they are an Italian squad coached by Marcelo Lippi. Defense.
PTW- Giorgio Chiellini. This group is not overflowing with dangerous center-forward types so he is not likely to be tested, but I am incredibly high on him. Perhaps the best central defender in the world. If and when Italy come up against a heavy-weight, Chiellini's effectiveness against a world class 9 will determine how far they progress.

New Zealand- I have always had a soft spot for all things Kiwi, for reasons I do not understand. Their football team is no exception and in a game where I don't have "a dog in the fight" I wish them all the best. That said it is impossible to like their chances. The squad is comprised of very modest talent, a few guys who have played at humble European clubs or MLS. Their drubbing at the Confed Cup last summer may well be a preview of what happens on their next trip to South Africa.
PTW- I don't know.

Paraguay- A disciplined, well coached, focused side with a bit more skill that people realize Paraguay may be one of the sleeper teams in this tournament. They have appeared in the last 3 world cups and this might be the one where they turn heads. Their impressive run in qualifying included wins over Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Paraguay are coached by Gerardo Martino who is tactically minded to the point of maybe being obsessive but has also been able to produce an atmosphere where every player knows they are working for each other and the shirt and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the result. In what we have seen of them they rarely if ever stray from that formula.
PTW- Oscar Cardozo. Cardozo has been one of the stars in Benfica's current challenge for the Portugese title. He has been at the club since 2007 and scored an impressive 64 goals in 70 games (!) which should be enough to convince that he is not on a good run of luck. Although sometimes strike partner Roque Santa Cruz has gotten more attention in the English speaking media I think Paraguay's offensive output is more dependent on the play of Cardozo.

Slovakia- A modest but able European side, Slovakia will need a rival in the group stage to slip if they are to make it through. The team looks solid in a defense built around Martin Skrtel and has some legitimate spark going forward with Marek Hamsik and Vlad Weiss as attacking midfielders. If the pieces around them take care of the ball and Slovakia collectively run, grind, and tackle, perhaps it is enough. I kind of like this team but I am not sure they have what it takes.
PTW- Marek Hamsik. He has been killing it at Napoli for a few seasons now and I am eager to see him at a big international tournament. In addition to his creativity Hamsik is blessed with a cannon of a shot that can keep defenders on alert as he approaches. He must have at least one big game against either Paraguay or Italy to give Slovakia a shot at passage.

Group F predictions:
1. Paraguay (9)
2. Italy (6)
3. Slovakia (3)
4. New Zealand (0)