Group F overview

Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Fixtures:

14/06/2010, Cape Town, Italy vs Paraguay
15/06/2010, Rustenburg, New Zealand vs Slovakia

20/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Slovakia vs Paraguay
20/06/2010, Nelspruit, Italy vs New Zealand

24/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Slovakia vs Italy
24/06/2010, Polokwane, Paraguay vs New Zealand

New Zealand got lucky with the fixtures here. While they probably the weakest team of the whole competition, opposition Slovakia might not have enough experience to get an easy win. Italy have a tough opening match, while it gets easier for the defending Champs down the road. While the fixtures list might also turn out to be a very favourably one. If they can beat New Zealand, while Paraguay lose to Italy, it would be a major step towards getting through from the group.

Runner up of the group will meet the Netherlands in the next stage. Winner (Italy) will take on runner-up from group E.

Uruguay and Paraguay in the shadow of Brazil and Argentina

From South America Brazil and Argentina are always looked at as the main challengers in major competitions. And rightly so in recent years, as other nations haven't managed to impress in the World stage, but is that about to change now?

Paraguay finished South American qualification with impressive results. At home they they managed to beat both, Brazil and Argentina. The finishing position was 3rd, on level with points with Chile, but with worse goal difference, but only a point behind Brazil.

While no stand out players are in the team, the side does have an x-factor, which could see them lift into the spotlights in South Africa.

A good sign of this generations potential, was Olympic Games in Athens 2004. Paraguay went all the way into the finals, only losing to Argentina in the end.

These players are matured now and possibly now ready for another success at a tournament. It would be about time, as the nation even hasn't won the Copa America for quite a while (1979 being the last one).

The last three World Cup's were seen as a chance for the "Golden Generation" to shine. And it did quite well, two times getting past the group stage and putting on a respectable show in Germany 2006. But I have a feeling the current crop of players might do better.

A lot of it will depend on Roque Santa Cruz. The Manchester City striker, who has a record of 20 goals in 64 matches for his country. He's prone to injuries, but on his day he's a world class striker. Since making his debut as a 17 year old in 1999, he seen as the "Golden Boy" and the truth is, the team does have that extra bit, when his playing. Key word being "when". If Paraguay want to take their qualifying form to the final, Santa Cruz has to be fit enough to play.

It's a bit different story for Uruguay. While the nation has a good record in Copa America, a total of 14 wins, and numerous final and semi-final places, Uruguay is looked more as a sleeping giant.

After winning two World Cups, the very first one in 1930 and in 1950, qualification has been hard to come. They didn't make it to Germany 2006. As a matter of fact, only managing to make it to the finals on 2 occasions from the past 5.

The team has always had remarkable players, but something has been lacking. Possibly the "one star effect" has been to blame. In the 90's and in the beginning of 2000's the team mostly relied on Alvaro Recoba. A immense player on his day, but he had the misfortune of not having good enough teammates. At least in the sense, not near enough his quality.

The current team is in better position. More competition for places and willingness to fight for their places, thus wanting to be better players.

But in the end, I predict it will still come down to if the stars deliver of not. Diego Forlán has shown brilliant form in past two season in Spain, while his strike partner Luis Suárez is also getting praised and noticed by his performances for Ajax. If those two can get the goals for their team next summer, holiday must wait as the team might go quite far.