2010 World Cup Group F Preview

Italy
Italy comes in as one of the favorites after winning the 2006 World Cup and having a successful record in their 2009 tune-up matches. The Italians have one of the top defenses in the world, anchored by star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. A solid midfield will help Italy out-possess most of their opponents. If they are able to get their offense running, this will be a very difficult team to beat.

Players to watch: Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino

Prediction: Group F is arguably the weakest group at the 2010 World Cup, and Italy should have no problem winning it. While they could make a run deep into the tournament once again, the Italians could see problems against stronger teams in the knockout stages when Italy's weaker offense is exposed.

Paraguay
Paraguay is similar to Italy in that their true strength is in their defense. While Paraguay finished third in South American qualifying, their record in 2009 is nothing to feel confident about. Paraguay won only four of their 12 games in 2009.

Players to watch: Justo Villar, Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Haedo Valdez

Prediction: In most groups in the 2010 World Cup, Paraguay wouldn't be a favorite to advance, but they were placed in Group F. Paraguay should earn the win against New Zealand and Slovakia. The Round of 16 will likely be where their road ends.

Slovakia
Slovakia lacks the star, "big name" players that many of the 2010 World Cup teams have, but that didn't stop the team from finishing on top of their group in qualifying ahead of both Slovenia and the Czech Republic. This is the first time Slovakia will be in a World Cup as an independent nation.

Players to watch: Marek Hamšík and Stanislav Šesták

Prediction: Slovakia should get the win against New Zealand and have an outside shot at advancing if they are able to break through the defense of Paraguay.

New Zealand
New Zealand is just happy to be in their first World Cup since 1982. After winning Oceania qualifying, they beat Bahrain in a playoff to book their ticket to South Africa. The bad news for New Zealand? They are arguably the weakest team in the 2010 World Cup. The good news? They are playing in Group F where earning some points is entirely possible.

Players to watch: Shane Smeltz and Chris Killen

Prediction: Don't expect much from New Zealand. If they are able to steal a win, or even a tie, out of their three group games, this trip to South Africa will be considered a huge success.

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