FIFA World Cup 2010: Group F's Paraguay and New Zealand Create Interesting Race

Yesterday Italy failed to "hold serve" against Paraguay, a team running on the inspiration of their best player, Salvador Cabanas, who was shot in the head in January.

The tie brought Italy, the seemingly easy favorite to win Group F, back to the pack.

Slovakia then had a chance to take Group F by the horns in their first World Cup game ever.  They faced what appeared to be the definite underdog of the group, New Zealand.

After coming mere moments from taking the sole lead of first place in the group, the unthinkable happened.  New Zealand knotted the score in the third minute of stoppage time. 

So the June 20th match between Slovakia and Paraguay, which likely would have decided second place in the group, now plays a much larger role.

Assuming New Zealand can't continue the magic against a far superior opponent in Italy, the Slovakia-Paraguay game will decide whether or not Italy runs away with the group. 

Paraguay should care less if the Italians run away with the lead.  They are playing to move on, and would only need a tie against Slovakia to give themselves the upper hand.  They get the All Whites from New Zealand in the final game of the group on the 24th.

Slovakia just lost their chance at a sure three points in the group.  If they tie again against Paraguay, they would need to have a multiple goal victory against the Italians to give themselves a shot at advancing.

With this in mind, we are sure to see Paraguay play with a stacked back half, as the Slovakian attack will be putting on constant pressure to score goals.

This matchup, with no disrespect to New Zealand, should decide the Italians' running mate into the knockout round.

I know I'll be watching and so should the world.