World Cup 2010 Predictions: Sizing Up Italy's Group F Opponents

Four years ago, Italy, under the guidance of Marcello Lippi, lifted the World Cup trophy against the German sky. With the domestic league in disarray after the emergence of the infamous Calciopoli scandal, a side heavily criticized during the entire course of the tournament eventually went on to win the greatest tournament on the face of the planet.

Marcello Lippi is once again back on the sidelines for his second consecutive participation in the world’s greatest showpiece, and tonight his men play their opening game against potential black horse, Paraguay. With the squad boasting nine 2006 veterans while a handful of deserving stars were left overseas, the World Cup winning tactician has once more been the target of massive criticism.

Drawn in a relatively easy group that suits Italy’s playing style to the ground alongside Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand the Azzurri will be confident in their own potential to head into the next stage of the competition.

However, there’s no such thing as an easy game when it comes to the World Cup. It’s time to size up the Azzurri’s group F opponents.

Having beaten nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile along their route to qualification, Paraguay ensured their fourth successive appearance in football’s elite tournament with a record 10 victories and three draws in their 18-match programme.

La Albirroja are expected to qualify from the group, but will have to do so without their top scorer from the qualifying campaign. The Club América star, Salvador Cabañas, was shot in the head after a nightclub incident at the end of January. Even though the player was fortunate to escape with his life, Cabañas’ miraculously quick recovery even had the doctors believing that the forward might be able to participate in South Africa.

However, Paraguay tactician Gerardo Martino, eventually had to concede that he would have to make do without his star man. Nevertheless, Paraguay boasts notable fire power up front with the likes of Roque Santa Cruz and Óscar Cardozo pulling the strings.

The intense competition in midfield will be supplemented by a rather impressive defense which conceded a mere 16 goals throughout the qualification—with only group winners Brazil showcasing better statistics.

Martino and his men have targeted a place in the final 16, and as they kick off their World Cup adventure, it’s with Cabañas serving as their primary inspiration.

Lately, Rugby team the All Blacks have had to step aside for the lesser known All Whites in terms of popularity after New Zealand qualified for their first World Cup since 1982. With Australia debunked to Asia, the All Whites had an all-clear considering the featherweights Ricki Herbert’s men crossed swords with before the two-legged playoff against Bahrain, in which New Zealand emerged triumphant after with a 1-0 aggregate win.

Unlike Paraguay, the majority of Herbert’s players are based in lower league outfits. Relieved of pressure with nothing to lose, the All Whites will surely be looking to upset their opponents with their physical style in a group they’re simply not expected to qualify from.

Despite a difficult qualification group, Slovakia managed to secure their first World Cup appearance under the guidance of Vladimir Weiss—as surprise group winners. The success was mainly down to the Weiss’ excellent work rate and ability to motivate his players in which the former national player installed an unwavering belief.

Weiss’ excellent rapport with his players allowed for him to make controversial decisions and gambles which included playing his teenage son, winger Vladimir Weiss Jr. The tactician didn’t exactly have a pool of talent available to him, but he does, however, have many classy players at his disposal such as team captain Marek Hamšik, whose qualities will undoubtedly be pivotal.

Although they may lack guile, the resilient Slovaks are by no means any pushovers. Based on their way to qualification, the collective determination will be the key to success for the only nation making its World Cup debut in South Africa.