Slovakia

Slovakia enter there first World Cup as an independent nation, regarded as one of Europe's lesser lights, but they came through a demanding qualifying group to get there.

Having drawn their neighbors Czech Republic, as well as Poland, Slovenia, and Northern Ireland, Slovakia were not expected to make an impact, or actually win the group. 

But win the group they did, winning four out of their five away games in the process, including a final day victory in Poland that sealed a place for the Slovaks in South Africa.

Slovakia have been an improving force in recent years, but have never qualified for a major competition before. More of their players are getting experience in bigger European leagues and now the national team is emerging from the shadow of the other half of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

There is none since Slovakia became an independent nation of their own, although the former Czechoslovakia did reach World Cup finals in 1934 and 1962.

SCHEDULE

New Zealand    June 15th- Rustenburg

Paraguay           June 20th- Bloemfontein

Italy                  June 24th- Johannesburg

For first timers, the draw has been relatively kind, but as a result expectations may now be unrealistically high. Italy are the current world champions and still a major threat regardless of their issues with form and an unsettled first XI. Paraguay are perennial qualifiers since 1998, therefore will have more experience in that department.

Three points against New Zealand is a must. An early victory will put pressure on Paraguay ahead of their meeting in Bloemfontein, in a game that will surely decide the second spot in the group.

KEY PLAYERS

Marek Hamsik might not be a familiar name to a lot of football fans but he should be. The Slovakian captain and Napoli superstar has been a sensation in Italy for the past three years and he has had to fight for interest from elsewhere in the past to remain a Neapolitan. The attacking midfielder is Frank Lampard esque, meaning powerful runs into the box and crucial goals should be expected.

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel settled into life as a Premier League player seamlessly when he moved from Zenit St. Petersburg in January 2008. His height, strength, and power will be essential to keeping his back four under control.

Miroslav Stoch may still be blooming but the Chelsea midfielder just spent the last season wowing crowds all over Holland with Twente. The diminutive winger will be hoping to be more involved at Stamford Bridge next season and a string of good performances in South Africa may help that to happen

ONE TO WATCH- Vladimir Weiss

The Manchester City player is the son of the coach, Vladimir Senior, and spent the last six months on loan at Bolton Wanderers. He is regarded as the future star of the Slovakian team and if he can get onto the pitch, he could produce some much needed magic.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Considering the group the Slovaks have been given, the minimum they should aspire to is a second round place, but a win over the Dutch would probably be too much to ask for in the last 16.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

For a country just happy to be taking part and getting one up on their richer and more famed neighbours to the north east, expectations aren't too high, although surely they should be expecting to at least beat New Zealand. 

PREDICTION

Paraguay have recently recorded a morale boosting win over Greece, but Slovakia have more outstanding players and a midfield that can create opportunities, therefore they should reach the second round and be then comfortably beaten.