Group F

Italy - World Ranking 5

The reigning world champions have their work cut out if they are to prevail in South Africa, as they did in Germany four years ago. There anti-football, as many call it, isn't the prettiest on the eyes but if utilised correctly it's certainly very effective. And the fear amongst many is, that if Italy go far once again more and more coaches could copy there style.

This dull style of play was evident as they won their qualifying group, ahead of the Republic of Ireland. Every player on the pitch will be instructed to press, with their attack as always being the first line of defence. They will be reliant on moments of magic in attack, although their lack of world class talent bears the question who will provide it?

Their World Cup victory four years ago was certainly impressive, on the back of the match fixing scandal but is that really a thing of the past? Italian football is still in a bad position, attendances are down and everyone knows about the state of terrace violence. It is not the best build up for a World Cup!

Strengths

A vastly experienced squad, is complimented with the addition of youth here and there. Fabio Cannavaro will lead the side for the last time, although how effective he can be at 36 is under question.

Italy's midfield is full of creative talent, which will need to be at full strength if they are to progress well in South Africa. In addition they will employ similar tactics as four years ago, by pressing all over the pitch and not giving anyone a moment to dwell on the ball.

Weaknesses

Despite there place as one of footballs superpowers and being ranked fifth in the world, there is a distinct lack of world class talent in this squad. Too much tends to hinge on Andrea Pirlo in the centre of the pitch, and it shouldn't be long before other countries figure out that if you stop Pirlo you tend to stifle Italy.

Goals could also become a major problem this summer, with first choices Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta not in the bracket of world class. Despite many peoples opinions they will struggle to make it out of the group that shouldn't be the case, although their progression from there could be short lived.

Key Man - Gianluigi Buffon

The Juventus 'keeper has been one of the worlds best for many a year, and he will need to be on top form for Italy this summer. It isn't the strongest of Italian sides, and Buffon just might be facing more shots than he is used to. Speculation has also been linking him with a move away, and a strong showing could prompt a number of bids.

One to Watch - Claudio Marchisio

A tenacious and hard tackling midfielder, Juventus' Marchisio is usually employed in the centre of midfield although he can be used out wide if necessary. Although he doesn't get on the score sheet too often, he is known to have a venomous shot with either foot so he could score a screamer or two this summer.

Manager - Marcello Lippi

Marcello Lippi is well used to winning things, and after a very successful club career he took Italy to World Cup glory four years ago. After retiring he came back to replace Roberto Donadoni after 2008s poor European Championships, but he has his work cut out to replicate his heroics from four years ago.

Odds - 14/1

Prediction - Should win the group, but will struggle to progress from the last 16.

Paraguay - World Ranking 30

After firing out of the blocks in South American qualifying, Paraguay ended up limping over the line but still finished third - ahead of Argentina. During this qualifying stage they took the scalps of both Brazil and Argentina, which shows the talent that lies within their squad.

The great overachievers of South American football, Paraguay are competing in their fourth successive World Cup. After reaching the second round in both 1998 and 2002 they slumped at the group stage four years ago, but they should make it out of group F although progression beyond that point will be tough.

Strengths

Their two styles of play give them an edge against some of the lower teams, that should see them make second place in this group. They are equally effective at getting the ball down and playing, or simply knocking it right up to Roque Santa Cruz.

There is also a number of players in this side that are hoping to put themselves in the shop window during the summer, and secure a big money move away. This should result in some very eye catching performances.

Weaknesses

A genuine lack of world class talent could ensure Paraguay suffer against the likes of Italy, who are first up in the group phase. On top of this Roque Santa Cruz (see key man below) is still the main player for this side, despite his sparse performances for Manchester City this season and as a result a lack of goals. However as highlighted above, he is one of many that is trying to secure a move away from his club so he needs a good tournament to ensure that comes to fruition.

Key Man - Roque Santa Cruz

His record of 21 goals in 69 appearances for his country is impressive, and he will need to add to that tally should his hope of moving on from Eastlands come true. If Paraguay decide to employ the long ball tactic he will become the main targetman, and his holding up skills will become crucial. However if they go for the more creative route, the natural predators instinct we all seen at Blackburn Rovers will need to be on full strength.

One to Watch - Cristian Riveros

After already sealing his switch away from Cruz Azul, Riveros will be hoping to show his new Sunderland team mates and fans that Steve Bruce was right to splash out on him. He will link up with national team mate Paulo Da Silva at the Black Cats, and this could be a real coup for Bruce should he go on to have a good competition.

Manager - Gerado Martino

Gerado Martino is rated as one of South Americas best coaches, and the Argentine will be hoping to emulate Paraguays recent showing in the second round. He often complains that Brazil and Argentina get preferential treatment and would love to get one over on them, although it doesn't seem likely this year.

Odds - 66/1

Prediction - Should make it out of the group, but could face stern opposition from Slovakia.

New Zealand - World Ranking 78

After qualifying for a play-off spot from the Oceania-Asia group, New Zealand were lucky to only have to face Bahrain and not one they bigger side such as China. They progressed to the final after a goalless draw away was followed up with a 1-0 victory in Wellington, cue wild celebrations.

However the All Whites will have their work cut out, as their varied results in the build up shows. After securing their place in the play-off they were then beaten by Fiji, as well as conceding four against Spain in the Confederations Cup.

With only one World Cup under their belts though it will be hard for them not to improve. They lost all three in 1982, scoring only twice but conceding 12.

Strengths

Ryan Nelsen's Premier League experience could prove crucial, as well as that of the several other players who have experience of European football. Nelsen is doubt the most experienced man in the side, and he will need to keep a calm head if New Zealand don't capitulate.

Also the element of surprise could work in their favour, with the other sides in the group not knowing an awful lot about the All Whites. Although they will need to vary their style of play if this is to occur, a point which lead us onto their weaknesses.

Weaknesses

New Zealand are a typically long ball side, with Shane Smeltz the main target in attack. This style of play will be easy for Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia to deal with, so they will need to mix it up and try something different if they are to get anything out of this summers tournament.

In addition to this their lack of quality players will ultimately cost them. Their friendly results have been largely disappointing, bar a 1-0 victory over Serbia, so this suggests they could struggle to get even a point.

Key Man - Ryan Nelsen

An Ewood Park favourite, Nelsen will have his work cut out trying to keep out opposition attackers this summer. His uncompromising approach epitomises how Sam Allardyce sees the game, however his relative success in the Premier League doesn't look like being replicated this summer.

One to Watch - Rory Fallon

The player who scored the goal to get his country to South Africa, is likely to play just off Smeltz in the Kiwi attack. He usually enjoys a good goal record both for club and country, and he could be a crucial if New Zealand are going to improve on their last World Cup showing.

Manager - Ricki Herbert

New Zealand's centre back from the 1982 finals doesn't have much quality to work with in this side, and will struggle for his side to make any kind of impact at all. A tough guy on the pitch he replicates that as a manager, as well as being a good organiser.

Odds - 2000/1

Prediction - Will struggle to score and will be on the first flight home.

Slovakia - World Ranking 38

Slovakia are heading to their first World Cup since independence, after previously competing as part of Czechoslovakia. And while qualifying for this summer tournament they meet there mighty neighbour the Czech Republic as well as Poland, to highlight their credentials as they topped their group.

They head to South Africa with a very experienced squad, with just a few younger players thrown in (including Marek Hamsik see key man and Miroslav Stoch, the one to watch). They will no doubt be written off early, along with New Zealand in this group, but there solid defence and creative attacking force could well spring a surprise or two.

Strengths

As they showed in qualifying they are a solid unit, but are also a side that doesn't sit back and try to block out teams. Martin Skrtel is a rock at the back for his country, form that he hasn't quite managed to transform to Liverpool as a consistent basis. Hamsik is the driving force from midfield, although they do have hidden strength that may go unnoticed. Chelsea youngster Miroslav Stoch is the countries most prized young asset, and after a sterling season with Steve McClaren at Twente Enschede he is brimming with confidence.

Weaknesses

Their simple lack of world class talent could come back to haunt them. At the moment they have a squad with good players who may well go on to become world class, but simply aren't quite there at the moment. It will the final group match against Italy that will test this theory, with the world champions blessed with some of the worlds best.

Key Man - Marek Hamsik

Napoli's 22-year-old midfield dynamo looked like a panic buy when he first made the move from Serie B side Brescia for £3.5m. The promise that they were buying potential looks to have paid off, as he finished top scorer in his first season. In addition he was named Slovakian young player of the year two years running, and he is been tracked by a number of Europe's top clubs who will no doubt make a move if he performs as we know he can.

One to Watch - Miroslav Stoch

Chelsea could have a future star on their hands, if Stoch can continue his progression at the Stamford Bridge outfit. The attacking midfielder or winger could be a natural successor to a number of Chelsea's ageing stars, and after a title winning season in Holland he heads to South Africa full of confidence.

Manager - Vladimir Weiss

Despite a lack of top class managerial experience, Vladimir Weiss has coach Champions League football with Artmedia Bratislava. The popular coach has seemingly managed to get Slovakia to punch above their weight, a trait he will hope continues through the summer.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - Will challenge Paraguay for second spot in the group.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be previewing Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal of group G.