Group F appears to be rather straightforward with Italy expected to top the group leaving Paraguay and Slovakia battling for the second spot while New Zealand in all probability will bring up the rear. The Italians are the defending World Cup champions but many of the pundits probably do not see the Italians repeating their fine form of 2006. Marcelo Lippi recently changed Italy's formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2 to favor the skills of Andre Pirlo. The problem is that Pirlo is currently injured and will not feature at the World Cup till the final group stage game. Furthermore, Italy appear to be lacking a creative replacement for Pirlo as Lippi has failed to recall Totti or Cassano for the Italian squad. Paraguay qualified for the World Cup with the second best defensive record in the South American region. Unfortunately a hideous crime has robbed the World Cup of one of Paraguay's best offensive talents in Salvador Cabanas. Cabanas was shot in the head outside a bar/nightclub in Mexico. Even with the loss of Cabanas, Paraguay still possess a formidable strike force in the form of Nelson Haedo Valdez and Oscar Cardozo. However, Paraguay still lacks a creative midfielder to pull the strings. Slovakia have been touted in the press as a potential dark horse for the World Cup. Slovakia plays a neat intricate passing attacking form of football that will focus on the strength of the team, the midfield. Marek Hamsik is an absolute stud in the middle of the park and a host of the big clubs will be looking for his services if he performs at this upcoming World Cup. Just a quick history lesson but the 1976 Euro Cup Winners Czechoslovakia had a majority of their players from Slovakia, maybe lightning can strike twice. New Zealand are one of the weakest teams at the tournament and although they did well to qualify for South Africa courtesy of a play-off against Bahrain. New Zealand will struggle in this group and realistically all they can hope for is a point.
Players To Watch:
Italy - Fabio Cannavaro - In my opinion Italy will be at its best if Mr. Fabio is at his best. After a sub-par season with Juventus, the Italians are looking for major improvements in the play of Cannavaro. Keep in mind that in their 2006 triumph Cannavaro was voted Player of the Tournament.
Paraguay - Oscar Cardozo - Nicknamed the Bamboo Tree because of his 6 foot 4 inch frame, Cardozo offers a target for the midfielders of Paraguay. He just came off a successful season with Benfica and perhaps will be snatched up by one of the EPL teams that prefer the use of a target man.
Slovakia - Marek Hamsik - Perhaps the heir apparent to Kaka's vacant throne as the best creative midfielder in the Serie A, Marek Hamsik is the key player for the Slovakian national team. Already being courted by the big boys of Europe and as stated earlier a big World Cup will lead to a big pay day.
New Zealand - Ryan Nielson - Nielson is the only member of the Kiwis who plays their football in a major league, as he is currently with Blackburn Rovers in the EPL. Nielson is also a former member of D.C. United and the MLS.
Projected Order Of Finish:
Italy
Paraguay
Slovakia
New Zealand
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