World Cup Predictions: Group F

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Players to Watch:
Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Christian Riveros (Paraguay)
Shane Smeltz (New Zealand)
Stanislav Sestak (Slovakia)


Match to Watch:
Slovakia vs. Italy
June 24, 10:00 A.M. (ESPN)


Predictions:

Italy vs. Paraguay
June 14, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ABC)
It's hard to say that a team with Italy's accomplishments is an unknown quantity. But let's face it, they're a bit of an unknown quantity for this tournament. Yes, they are a team to be respected and yes, they have the potential to become repeat champions, but they're aging line-up has been less than completely impressive during their qualifying and Confederations Cup runs. I'm expecting Italy to scrape their way through the group stages with a few draws, starting with one against Paraguay.
Result: ITA 1 - 1 PAR

New Zealand vs. Slovakia
June 15, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
The All Whites of New Zealand have two paths ahead of them for this tournament. They will either bounce out of the tournament with three loses, or become king makers in this tournament with one or two absolute shocking results. I'm a pragmatist, so while I'm happy to see New Zealand making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, I don't think they'll be able to make much of it.
Result: NZL 0 - 3 SVK

Slovakia vs. Paraguay
June 20, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
This match will determine second place in the group. Paraguay's dynamic attack will overpower Slovakia's measured European mindset. La Albirroja will be in the ascendency after their opening draw against the reigning champions and will prove too much for the Slovaks, but only just.
Result: SVK 0 - 1 PAR

Italy vs. New Zealand
June 20, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Italy may have its early stumbling blocks and may even crash out of the tournament during the second round. But New Zealand's toughened work ethic will not be one of the many problems pestering Lippi's side.
Result: ITA 1 - 0 NZL

Slovakia vs. Italy
June 24, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Going into the final day, Italy and Paraguay will be sitting on 4 points, Slovakia on 3 points, and New Zealand on 0 points, making the Slovakia vs. Italy game the game to watch. Slovakia will be looking to take the full three points to pull the shocker of the tournament by shoring up a qualifying place at Italy's expense. The Azzuri, on the other hand, will need to take only one point from the match to edge their way into the knock-out rounds. A hard fought draw will ensue.
Result: SVK 2 - 2 ITL

Paraguay vs. New Zealand
June 24, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Paraguay will be more than pleased with their fixture schedule. Having the group whipping boys on the final day will be a great way to solidify top spot in the group and gain some much needed momentum for the knockout round, where they will likely meet Cameroon. New Zealand will be looking for, at the very least, a consolation goal.
Result: PAR 2 - 1 NZL


Final standings: