Italy: Yes, Italy is the defending World Champions of the world and are always a formidable force. But there is a concern among many outsiders looking in: the personnel is virtually the same as 2006! This would be a great thing if the Azzuri were still at their prime but most of these players have shown decline at both the club level and in the last European Championships. Can this older group still keep up with the mostly younger sides they will face or did Marcello Lippi choose based on emotional ties to the men who brought him the ultimate prize? We will find out soon, The Italians can, and very much should, still make a run at the title with names lie Camoranesi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Zambrotta and Buffon you can’t be looked past. But if the Italians don’t make it past the quarter final the country could find itself with quite a boost in wine sales this summer.
Prediction: They will win their group but disastrously fall in the quarter finals to a team everyone thinks they can beat.
Paraguay: Will this be the tourney where Paraguay finally win a second round match? They have the ability. Like the Italians they are a strong and organized defensive team. Their key will be scoring goals. They lost their best goal-getter last year when Salvador Cabanas was almost killed in a Mexico City shooting. Young promising offensive names like Santa Cruz and Cardoza can put it in the back of the net in Cabanas’ absence. The key: if Cristian Riveros can provide the strikers with quality service Paraguay could see their inter-continental reputations increase.Prediction: 2nd in the group with another second round loss.
Slovakia: June 15th, between 4:30am and 6:30am Slovakia’s fate will be virtually sealed. That morning the MUST beat New Zealand. If they can get three points from this game then they may only need one miracle in either of the following games against Italy and Paraguay. If they lose, well at least they can say they qualified. This is Slovakia’s first ever World Cup appearance. Minus Marek Hamsik (a semi-known star in European circles) they are virtually a young unrecognizable team. They do have a pair of 20-year-old wingmen (Stoch and Weiss) who, if they can break down the defensive walls of the reigning champs and South American up-and-comers, may provide enough to see a fourth match.
Prediction: They are happy to be here ad have the experience. Gain some experiece and come back in four years.
New Zealand: Honestly, there is not much to say about the All Whites. The Kiwi’s have always been a rugby powerhouse and are familiar with the South African setting because of that. But the four countries they beat to qualify for this tournament have a combined population of two million. Let’s just say it wasn’t the most grueling path to a berth. Don’t give up an embarrassing amount of goals: that should be the Kiwi’s hope and drive.
Prediction: Down and out in one match. But enjoy the night-life guys!
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