Today we take a look at the defending Champions from Italy. They drew about as good of a draw as anyone in the cup, as they will be taking on New Zealand, Paraguay, and Slovakia. Paraguay is traditional a fairly good team, so they could provide the Italians with a sweat.
Italy: This great draw should be taking with a grain of salt. The Italian national team has not been playing extremely well recently, including a 1-1 tie with Switzerland yesterday, and a 2-1 loss to Mexico recently as well. As with the champion squad, they will come and go as goalkeeper Gigi Buffon will take them. Italy didn't blow anyone away with their scoring when they took the world cup, but Buffon was an absolute beast in the nets. He will have to do the same to lead them to victory again.
New Zealand: Their qualification was quite unlikely, as they have only made the world cup once before, which was 28 years ago. The All Whites have shown flashes of brilliance, actually knocking off their fellow group members Italy last year, but for the most part, New Zealand will just be happy to be here. But everyone loves an underdog, and this might be a good one to get behind.
Paraguay: Paraguay made it past the first round in 98 and 02 before getting knocked out early in last year's cup, and in several groups, they might not have a shot this year. But with New Zealand and Slovakia in their group, Paraguay shouldn't have much trouble getting out of this group if they play an aggressive style. And hey considering how poor the Italians have been playing, anything is possible.
Slovakia: Slovakia also had an unlikely run into the cup, as they knocked off solid teams in Poland and more of note the Czech Republic to make it to the big stage. Again, another team that we shouldn't expect much from, but shall be seen.
My prediction: 1. Italy 2. Paraguay
Its safe to say that a potential cinderella could make it out of this group. I'm not sure that any team outside of Italy could beat the Dutch or Cameroon in the next round, but in the world cup, most anything is possible. Be sure to tune in tomorrow, as I break down the infamous "Group of Death". Thanks for reading.
World Cup Breakdown Part 6
tayke2
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