Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia
As defending champions, Italy is bringing almost the same squad into this year’s World Cup – in fact nine players are the same. No country has repeated as champions since Brazil in 1962, and Italy are definitely not Brazil.
The worry to the Azzurri’s fans however, is not of experience, but the age of the majority of the players are in their early- to mid-thirties and are therefore past their prime. Just think back to last summer’s Confederation Cup, which saw an Italian side that was lethargic and uninspiring.
Personally, I have no concern about Italy defending their title, as I think they simply are no longer good enough to compete with the likes of Spain or even Argentina.
While Italy’s coach is a proven and seasoned winner, my question is whether Italy can maintain their top form throughout the grueling, month-long tournament. Despite being a defense-minded team, I don’t think they will have enough left in the tank to continue to the finals.
New Zealand are making only their second ever appearance at the World Cup. Unfortunately, I don’t think they are quite prepared for the challenge ahead of them.
The Australasian league ended in March, so a major question is will the guys be match fit after having three months off?
The All Whites will need to find some creativity up front, while making sure the other team stays out of their net. I’m a sucker for a good story, and everybody loves New Zealand, I just hope they can hold their own against better teams.
Paraguay is heading to their fourth straight World Cup with a mission: winning games for Salvador Cabanas, their leading striker who was shot in the head outside a Mexico bar in January. Cabanas, who has recovered well from the incident, plans to return to action in the near future.
Cabanas’ absence has allowed some young stars to step into the spotlight. Paraguay remains a very cohesive side, and in defeating Argentina last September in qualifying, they showed the ability to play, and win against, the best. With 6 foot 4 striker, Oscar Cardozo, up front, I expect nothing less than a battle every time Paraguay takes to the pitch.
Slovakia is making its maiden solo trip to the World Cup, formerly making an appearance as Czechoslovakia before splitting in 1993.
The squad is comprised of tough, rugged players that give nothing away, and possess enough technically proficient players to show some flair up front, however an injury scare to defender Martin Skrtel threatened the team. While it looks like Skrtel will be ok to compete, despite ankle swelling, and his country is going to need him.
Italy and Paraguay should have little trouble advancing here.
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