World Cup Preview – Group F
Italy
I can’t figure Italy out actually more to the point I can’t figure out how much the press have over looked Italy leading into the World Cup which will usually work in Italy’s advantage. Long day after the bitter memories of the Roberto Donadoni era where Italy never got going before bowing out on penalties to Spain. In it’s place Marcelo Lippi is back to lead Italy one more time to World Cup glory. Back to the can’t figure Italy out point. While it’s true they return a lot of players from the 2006 those players are also four years old. Being wise gets you so far but being old catches up to you after all. It’s not like players like Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro Camoranesi, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, and Vincenzo Iaquinta are coming off good seasons to give outsides a reason to believe this Italian team can go deep in the World Cup. On the flip side this is Italy after all. You have to respect a side who will not defeat themselves. For any club to defeat Italy they will have to play perfect football. Going into the last World Cup Zidane wasn’t coming off the finest of seasons then he turned it on at the World Cup as he was pacing himself over the long season. You never know the same can hold true for all the players mentioned above. Italy is blessed with a group they should handle. Much like having to face Australia and Ukraine in the first two knockout rounds of the last World Cup, Italy has a pretty easy road for themselves in the group stage.
Key Player – Giorgio Chiellini and Alberto Gilardino (tie) - Just couldn’t decide between the two. Chiellini will need to be fit if Italy plans to go far. Chiellini is the next great hope in the long line of world class Italian defenders. He will need to cover the space Cannavaro doesn’t have the legs to get too anymore.
As for Gilardino, it wasn’t that long ago A.C Milan were dying to get rid of him. From there he has worked himself to be the best striking option for Italy. He’ll need to score 5+ goals in the World Cup for Italy to have a chance to repeat.
Sinnacle Prediction - 1st in Group F
Paraguay
A couple of months ago I mentioned how Óscar Cardozo is gong to shine at this World Cup. Nothing since then has changed my mind as even if Cardozo is fighting a knock or two he is still in the form of his life and is peaking just at the right moment heading into the World Cup. Paraguay conceding only 16 goals in qualifying. Only Brazil gave up fewer which bodes well for Paraguay heading into a World Cup where Slovakia and New Zealand don’t have much of a goal threat. Speaking of goal threats we have the interesting case of Roque Santa Cruz. Will the Manchester City role player be out of form at this World Cup or will he be well rested and ready to bag a couple of goals for Paraguay. This will determine is Paraguay can make it to the final 8 or bow out once in the knockout stage. Also look out for Edgar Barreto who will not miss for the penalty spot.
Key Player – Roque Santa Cruz
Sinnacle Prediction - 2nd in Group F
Slovakia
For any club to make it into the World Cup from Europe deserves respect. Unlike New Zealand who basically gets a free pass into the World Cup. Slovakia made it to the World Cup after taking out the likes of Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovenia. Even more surprising is they did it using an attack minded approach, scoring a group high 22 goals. It’s interesting to see Slovakia scored more in qualifying than the likes of Portugal, Russia, France, Italy and Holland. With the good news out of the way he comes the bad news. Everyone loves attacking soccer but scoring against the likes of San Marino is a lot different than scoring against Italy and Paraguay. Add to that the blow of defender Martin Skrtel carrying an ankle knock should add up to Slovakia enjoying the moment, being proud to play for their country in the World Cup and then going home after three games.
Key Player – Marek Hamsik
Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group F
New Zealand
Truthfully I almost know as much about North Korea than I do New Zealand so this will be short. I like Ryan Nelsen who has made himself into a very useful defender that every club could use but this New Zealand team will need a lot more than Ryan Nelsen and it’s just not there. This side could easily be the worst country playing in the World Cup and watch after I’ve said that New Zealand will make it to the knockout round but I won’t be picking them.
Key Player – Chris Killen – Someone has to score goals and the former Cletic man seems to be New Zealand’s best hope in this regard.
Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group F