Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia make up Group F.
The obvious favorite to win the group is Italy. Italy had to go through the qualifying stage as the defending champion no longer gets an automatic berth to the next World Cup. But where to even begin with Italy? World-class goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon returns this World Cup. Four years ago in Germany, Buffon only allowed two goals: an own goal against the U.S. and a penalty kick in the final. Other great Italian players include defender Fabio Cannavaro, midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, and forward Alberto Gilardino, to name a few. Italy definitely has what it takes to make a deep run, maybe even winning the the World Cup again.
Paraguay has to appreciate the group they were drawn into. If Italy wins the group like they're expected to, Slovakia is Paraguay's only realistic competition for the second place of the group. Roque Santa Cruz is Paraguay's key player. Santa Cruz currently plays for Manchester City of the English Premier League. Paraguay suffered a critical loss back in late January when Salvador Cabanas, regarded by many as the best club player this side of the Atlantic, was shot in the head at point-blank range in a bar in Mexico City. Cabanas survived, and is still recovering. Paraguay will rely on Dario Veron to solidify the defense, and Santa Cruz to score goals if they want to extend their stay in South Africa.
New Zealand is one of the three teams in this edition of the World Cup that is expected to make one of the worst performances in World Cup history, South Africa had been on that list, as well as North Korea. New Zealand doesn't have any big name players, and are yet to earn a point in a World Cup, having gone three-and-out on their first appearance. However, if forward Shane Smeltz continues with his good form, the All-Whites could come away with their first-ever World Cup point.
Slovakia is one of the two contenders for the second place in the group. Slovakia qualified directly out of Group 3 just ahead of Slovenia. This will be Slovakia's first World Cup ever, all previous appearances have been as Czechoslovakia, a history they share with the Czech Republic. Good news for Slovakia: Martin Skrtl should be ready for the opening game against New Zealand.
Predictions:
Italy 2, Paraguay 1
New Zealand 1, Slovakia 1
Slovakia 1, Paraguay 2
Italy 4, New Zealand 0
Slovakia 1, Italy 2
Paraguay 3, New Zealand 0
Italy ....... 9 Pts.
Paraguay .... 6 Pts.
Slovakia .... 1 Pts.
New Zealand . 1 Pts.
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