Quarter-final 4: Spain 1-0 Paraguay

In readiness for a game in which both sides were bidding to go further than they had ever gone before Paraguay made a massive six changes, probably a record number of changes between a second-round match and a quarter-final. Most changes were made in the attacking third with Cruz, Benitez and Barrios being consigned to the bench.

Spain were not themselves in this game though this could be at least partially attributed to Paraguay forcing them to play poorly. Spain's fluid passing game appeared to have been replaced by disjointed passing and a team that couldn't get a proper stranglehold on the game. Not that Paraguay could either in what was a tense, difficult battle for both sides in which, if anything Paraguay were slightly better on the overall balance of play.

Paraguay were indeed unlucky not to be ahead at half-time after Valdez scored on the 40 minute mark, only for it to be ruled offside. The decision was touch and go. Valdez appeared to be just onside but Cardozo (who the ball drifted over on it's way to Valdez) appeared to be offside. The question of course is whether Cardozo was interfering with play, and with the lack of clarity of the law as it stands both interpretations are legitimate. Paraguay could so easily have been ahead.

The match had a bizarre turn of events during the second half. Pique wrestled Cardozo to the ground in the box, conceding a penalty. Cardozo's penalty was a reasonable effort but Casillas pulled off an excellent save, and he did very well to hold onto the ball in the process. Second's later it was Spain's turn to be awarded a penalty, Alcarez adjudged to have bundled Villa over in the box in what was an incredibly harsh decision. Alonso duly converted only for Batres to order a retake for encroachment. It was technically correct with one or two players feet a couple of inches into the box. It was almost as if Batres realised he had made the wrong call initially to award the penalty and was trying to prevent them from scoring it. Villar saved the penalty and scrambled the ball away to safety. In the process he made a clear trip on a Spaniard with his arms but no penalty was given.

The game was finally decided with around 7 minutes to go. It was a lovely move by Spain. Iniesta skilfully set up Pedro after a classic delightful Xavi flick. Pedro's excellent shot was thwarted by the post but Villa scored the rebound, albeit this also coming off the post. They deserved a goal for the move but they barely deserved the win. Paraguay had done a great job of preventing Spain from playing in the manner they are accustomed and for that deserve a lot of credit. It really could have gone either way. The Guatemalan ref left a fair bit to be desired also, it has to be said.

Round of 16. Match 7: Paraguay 0-0 Japan - Paraguay win on penalties

This was a tightly fought match memorable for its intensity if not its action, which in truth produced very few chances or particularly noteworthy action. Paraguay looked more likely to score but found it difficult to breach a watertight Japanese defence. The centre-back pairing of Tulio and Nakazawa thwarted anything that Paraguay threw at them, which was nowhere near enough considering the talent they have at their disposal. Paraguay appeared comfortable on defence as Japan looked devoid of any real ideas to penetrate the Paraguay goal.

There were periods of nice play from both sides but true creativity was hard to come by. Many parts of the game were highly tactical that few neutrals would be excited by. Naturally there were some opportunities: Matsui, Japan's most impressive attacking player on the day, hit the crossbar from distance, Barrios (who along with Riveros were the best Paraguayans going forward) made a sublime turn only to see his shot saved.

Extra-time continued in the same vein as the match drifted to its inexorable conclusion: World Cup 2010's first penalty shoot-out. Komano was the only player to miss (hitting the crossbar) to see Paraguay reach the quarter-final for the first time in their history.

Preview of Quarter-final 4: Spain v Paraguay

Neither Spain nor Paraguay have ever won the World Cup or ever really come close. For Spain this is very surprising considering the quality they have often had at their disposal. But for this generation there is the suggestion that these players have what it takes, particularly after finally breaking their major tournament duck by winning Euro 2008. If they do manage to get past Paraguay they will face a repeat of the Euro 2008 final against Germany. Paraguay have a worse world cup record than Spain having just reached the quarter-finals for the first time ever. They will be hoping that in this game they can write another wonderful chapter in their history. This Paraguay side are considered the best they have ever produced and progressing to the semi-finals would not be as far-fetched as it sounds.

The Spanish game is based on possession and lots of it. They pass the ball around beautifully, mesmerically and with sublime ease. There is not a team in the world better at keeping possession. They have a midfield to die for in Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets - a midfield that doesn't even have enough room for the brilliant Cesc Fabregas. They are very used to working together and they all have their own specific qualities that complement each other well. Villa up front is in top form having scored four out of Spain's five World Cup 2010 goals. Pique and Puyol are an experienced centre-back pairing and Ramos provides a good attacking option from right-back as well as being solid in defence. Capdevila is probably the weakest player in the team at left-back. Casillas is one of the world's best keepers. The man likely to partner Villa in attack is Torres but he has looked rusty all tournament. Llorente impressed in his cameo against Portugal but I don't expect him to start in this game.

Paraguay are a defensive unit. They have only conceded one goal all tournament (in the first game against Italy). Centre-back Alcarez looks particularly strong and he even scored a goal against Italy. They also play with deep central midfielders who break up the play effectively. Vera, Riveros and Caceras are more than just extra defenders however - Vera and Riveros both scored excellently finished goals against Slovakia. Paraguay have had some problems keeping possession so (especially given my comments re Spain) I would expect Spain to dominate this area of the game. But with Santa Cruz and Barrios up front Spain must still be wary. They may not be Cabanas but they are very capable. I expect Paraguay to adopt a defensive approach to this game though not as badly as Switzerland did against Spain. They would be more than happy with penalties I imagine.

It's hard to see Spain not progressing but a Paraguay win wouldn't be as big a shock as some would contend. They finished second in South American qualifying and I expect La Albirroja may not be as easy for La Roja to get past as it might appear on paper.

Preview of Round of 16. Match 7: Paraguay v Japan

This is La Albirroja versus the Blue Samarai. This is South America versus Asia's final representative, made all the more interesting by virtue of the fact that an Asian side has never beaten a South American side at a World Cup. These are two teams that have never got past the Round of 16. Paraguay have been in this position four times, Japan only once (and that in their own continent). But for one of them - this is about to change! I should also add that neither of them has even scored a goal in the second round!

Both come into the knock-out range with confidence. Paraguay believe this is their best ever team, they finished only one point behind Brazil in qualifying and they finished unbeated top of Group F. Japan's manager Takeshi Okada stated before the World Cup that they would make the semi-finals and they've certainly looked the best Asian team at the tournament. For both teams however it is hard to know whether they looked good because they really were that good or because their opposition didn't perform to potential at the tournament.

Paraguay looked very assured and skilful against Italy, completely dominated Slovakia and did enough against New Zealand to score the requisite point. Japan narrowly defeated Cameroon in a poor game, suffered a narrow loss against Netherlands before playing an excellent game against Denmark, defeating them 3-1.

Head-to-head: They have played each other on six occasions - Paraguay winning twice, Japan and there have been three draws. Paraguay's wins have been in the 2004 Olympic Games and the 1999 Copa America.

Suspensions: Caceres is unfortunately suspended for Paraguay. Vera and Santa Cruz (Paraguay) are one booking short of a suspension as are Abe, Endo, Nagatomo (Japan).

Key players

Paraguay: Alcarez has impressed in defence, Vera has been one of the most enterprising players in South Africa and scored a delightful goal against Slovakia. Santa Cruz will need to start showing why he is considered the star of the team.

Japan: Honda is their inspirational captain and in fine form. Endo is another one with a big talent. Often employed as a defensive midfielder he has a brilliant creative pass. Tulio is an imposing and effective 6 foot tall centre-back.

Expectations: Paraguay have a stellar defence who have conceded only once in South Africa and had the second best defensive record in South American qualifying. But it is also true to say that Japan are quite miserly having conceded twice in South Africa and with a good defensive record in qualifying. Perhaps then it will be a low scoring match? I certainly expect them to spend a while feeling each other out. Paraguay do love to attack but the likes of Santa Cruz, Barrios and Cardozo have not really demonstrated much of this in South Africa. Perhaps tonight is the night that they really let their South American flair go wild. Japan will be neat and quick in possession and potentially lethal from free-kicks. It should be a fascinating contest. Paraguay are favourites, and rightfully so, but this could easily go either way...

Group F final group games

New Zealand 0-0 Paraguay

Paraguay knew a draw was enough to qualify. New Zealand knew they needed a win. This was a dour match as Paraguay seemed content to play out a 0-0 draw and the New Zealanders, whilst wanting to win, just lacked the quality and creativity to make it possible. For a neutral this would have been a boring game, but for us in New Zealand every moment was tense as we dreaded conceding and hoped like hell for a winner.

For New Zealand Paston did well with a couple of good saves. Nelsen was the Kiwis best player as always and Reid and Smith did everything they needed to at the back. Bertos showed a little more moving forwards than he has done previously and Elliott continued to do well. Having bagged Elliott before the tournament I was pleased to see he has done well. Up front Killen and Fallon again showed nothing of note and Smeltz always looked dangerous.

My criticism of the New Zealand approach is focused on Herbert and his tactics in the last half hour of the game. New Zealand were in a situation where they knew one goal would probably be enough to take them through to the second round for the first time ever. They knew they may never be in such a position again. This was the time to take the bull by the horns and just go for it - leave no regrets. This was the situation where Herbert needed to throw on Chris Wood much earlier. He needed to get Tim Brown on for Vicelich for a while. Brown is a natural centre-mid who can make good darting runs into the box as well as breaking up the play nicely. What was the point of him returning to fitness from his shoulder injury if he wasn't going to get considered for a run. We could also have looked at changing the tactics. Perhaps switching formation to a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 to try something different. If we'd lost going down fighting it would have felt much better than the tepid way the match drifted to its inexorable conclusion.

Having said that I am very proud of the All Whites for the immense achievement of 3 World Cup draws. They became the fourth team in history (after Belgium, Scotland and Cameroon) to be eliminated after being undefeated. We finished a point ahead of Italy on the rankings and we showed ourselves as a proud nation able to compete on the world stage.

Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Italy needed a win to guarantee qualification and Slovakia knew that even that might not be good enough.

This was an enthralling contest. Slovakia led 1-0 at half-time after De Rossi's pass lost possession near the edge of the box and the ball was fed to Vittek who finished clinically. For the remainder of the half Slovakia were mostly in control of the contest and Marchetti did well to save on a couple of occasions.

Both sides had chances in the second half with Slovakia counter-attacking at every opportunity when Italian pressure broke down. With 17 minutes remaining it looked all over for Italy when Vittek stole in to score at the near post - this not long after Quagliarella had a volley blocked on the goal-line by Skrtel. Di Nitale pulled one back with nine minutes remaining however as he steered into an open goal after Mucha had blocked a shot.

Italy looked for an all important equaliser and thought they had found one. Di Nitale had the ball in the back of the net again but he was correctly adjudged to be offside, even though it was a tight one. A super smart throw in from Slovakia ensured it was actually they who skored again. Substitute Kopenek deftly lifted it over Marchetti's head. The goal of the match came moments later when Quagliarella lobbed in a delightful long-range shot. It was perhaps even the goal of the tournament but it was to no avail as Italy ultimately lost.

Group F permutations

With all 4 teams very much alive...what is required for each to qualify? (Paraguay v New Zealand and Italy v Slovakia). (P.S. A coin toss = drawing of lots = same thing)

Paraguay: A win or a draw is required to guarantee qualification. A win and they will finish first, a draw and they will finish first (unless Italy can overtake them on goal difference - this will require either a 2 or 3 goal win), a loss and they will finish 2nd if Italy v Slovakia is a draw or if Slovakia win and fail to achieve a better goal difference than them (will require a 4 or 5 goal swing). Obviously If Paraguay lose and Italy win they are eliminated.

Italy: A win will guarantee qualification. A win and a Paraguay win and they will finish 2nd. A win and a Paraguay draw and 1st and 2nd will come down to goal difference (indeed if Paraguay draw 1-1 and Italy win 2-0, 1st and 2nd will come down to a coin toss). A win and a New Zealand win will mean 1st and 2nd come down to who got the best win. A draw will achieve qualification if New Zealand lose. A draw and a New Zealand win will mean they are eliminated. A draw and a New Zealand draw - they will qualify in 2nd place if their draw is a higher score draw than New Zealand and they will be eliminated if it is a lower score draw. If the scoreline in both draws are the same then they will have a coin toss with New Zealand to see who qualifies in 2nd and who misses out.

New Zealand. A win will guarantee qualification. A win and an Italian win will mean they qualify in 1st if they get a better win and 2nd if they get a worse win. If the win is the same scoreline then 1st and 2nd will be decided on a coin toss. A win and an Italian draw or loss and New Zealand will finish first. If New Zealand draw they will be eliminated if Italy or Slovakia win. A draw and an Italian draw - they will qualify in 2nd place if their draw is a higher score draw than Italy and they will be eliminated if it is a lower score draw. If the scoreline in both draws are the same then they will have a coin toss with Italy to see who qualifies in 2nd and who misses out.

Slovakia. A loss or a draw and they are eliminated, a win and a Paraguay win or draw and they will qualify in 2nd. A win and a New Zealand win and they will compete with Paraguay for 2nd place based on goal difference. They will need a 4 or 5 goal swing to qualify ahead of Paraguay. If they have the same goals scored and goals against then Paraguay will qualify.

Group F's second set of games

Paraguay 2-0 Slovakia

Paraguay were by far and away the best team in this game. Slovakia didn't have a shot on target until the 92nd minute. By contrast Paraguay dominated, attacked fearlessly and with purpose and kept the ball very skilfully. Both goals they scored were very good but the first one in particular. Barrios played him in with a deft pass and Vera's finish was sublime. Slightly off balance, under plenty of pressure from the defender, Vera curled it into the top right hand corner, expertly using the outside of his boot to get the curve and the direction just right. It was one of those moments when you say, wow, how good would it be to be able to do that.

The first half afforded the most opportunities for Paraguay. The second half offered much less but they were comfortable nevertheless. Riveros scored the second goal with a quality (but probably straight-forward) strike from the edge of the box. Vera and Barrios in particular had a good game.

New Zealand 1-1 Italy

The All Whites were massive underdogs going into this game but emerged with a very creditable draw that could have easily been a win. Smeltz grabbed the lead on around 7 minutes. Elliott floated in a free kick which skimmed off the head of Reid, deflected slightly off Cannavaro and was poked in by Smeltz. There was a very real whiff of offside about it, but nevertheless a goal was given.

From this moment onwards Italy dominated. Not to say New Zealand didn't have chances, nor did we stick ten men behind the ball at all times. But it was certainly a domination which can be demonstrated by stats. Italy had 57% to 43% possession, they had 15 corners to zero and they had 23 shots to 3 (7 on target versus 1).

After the initial goal by New Zealand Italy set to work and warmed to their task. They were unlucky not to score just after the 20 minute mark when Montolivio hit the post from distance but their equaliser was to come not long after that. The referee blew for a penalty after Tommy Smith had had a hold of De Rossi's shirt. It is true that he briefly held it but De Rossi dived, did a Hollywood, "went down quicker than Paris Hilton" (Martin Devlin). In other words the penalty was harsh. Were a penalty given for every mild tug there would be a penalty every free kick or corner. Smith was naive in his actions however. Anyhow, Iaquinta converted with a quality penalty.

After highlighting De Rossi's propensity to dive, now is the opportune time to lament Italy's constant diving. Almost every tackle an Italian would drop to the floor and start writhing around and they were encouraged to do so by the fact the ref was conned and gave free kick after free kick. Fallon was booked early for an alleged elbow and so every time he gave himself some elbow leverage the Italians would drop to the floor in a dive. He was substituted with half an hour to go to avoid being sent off.

In the second half Mark Paston in goal for New Zealand, pulled off some excellent saves from full stretch dives. The former Bradford City and Walsall stopper was in top form and was ably assisted by the fantastic performance of skipper Ryan Nelsen and his fellow centre-backs Reid and Smith. Elliott also had the best game I've ever seen him play and Smeltz looked dangerous upfront.

The only two chances we had (other than the goal) was a sweetly timed but misdirected volley from Vicelich and a wonderful chance from Chris Wood who expertly turned one of the world's best defenders, Cannavaro, in the box, and flashed his shot wide of the post. It was desperately unlucky as the replay showed it arrowing in before curling away in the wrong direction at the last second.

New Zealand, a country of only 25 professionals had kept World Champions Italy to a 1-1 draw. It was (as an All Whites fan) the moment of the World Cup. And both sides still have it all to play for in their final group games (NZ v Paraguay, Italy v Slovakia).

Group F opening games

Paraguay 1-1 Italy

This was an engaging game with quality passing football on show. Paraguay looked like a side who had finished only one point behind Brazil in qualification and were well worth their 1-0 lead at half-time. They were happy to soak up Italian pressure and catch them on the break with slick fluid passing. Alcarez's header to put them into the lead was quality. Italy, for all their ball, were rather stale at times. And when the equaliser finally game it was fortuitous. Goalkeeper Villmar completely missed the cross and de Rossi was on hand to stab home. For Italy I felt the best players were Pepe who looked dangerous all game, and Camaronesi who came on in the second half. They clearly missed the quality of Pirlo in midfield. Buffon also suffered an injury...what damage will that do to the hopes of Italians everywhere? Paraguay have had it tough with star man Cabanas ruled out of the tournament before it began (thanks to the shooting in the head I have previously blogged about) and Santa Cruz only just coming back from injury. But they are a real prospect in Group F in my view.

New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia

The moment all we Kiwis had been waiting for. New Zealand back on the biggest stage of them all, 28 years between drinks. This was widely viewed as New Zealand's greatest chance to get a result at the World Cup but the international media had written us off. New Zealand played its usual 3-4-3 with the only talking point of the starting lineup being that Vicelich was to partner Elliott in midfield.

The first half finished all square. This wasn't without nervy moments as Paston almost embarrassed himself with a clearance that instead skimmed gently off his foot. He did well enough to recover though. New Zealand had done well to limit Slovakia to a couple of good chances. The best being when their two most impressive players combined - Weiss feeding Sestak for a good chance - but he fired wide. The best chance of the half was arguably Killen's tame header that didn't threaten a goal. New Zealand certainly weren't overawed.

Disaster struck early in the second half when Vittek headed in a Weiss cross. Reid arguably hadn't marked tightly enough but the Kiwis had a right to be aggrieved, replays showed he was clearly offside, by about a foot. New Zealand didn't create many second half chances but the striker who threatened the most was always Smeltz. Fallon and Killen by contrast never looked like scoring, although they helped well with the defending. Central midfield gave the ball away too often and Elliott who had played well in the first half started to tire and made too many mistakes in the second. The central defensive trio of Nelsen, Smith and Reid were beautifully composed however and are the real strength to the Kiwis. Bertos was often anonymous as he was sucked into defensive duties too often and Lochhead was an inconsistent mixture of good and bad.

I thought the final chance had come and gone when Smeltz headed a cross wide with less than two minutes remaining. But with the last play of the game Smeltz sent in an excellent cross and Reid powered a header home to write his name in NZ folklore. It was a beautiful goal and the Kiwis celebrated their first ever World Cup point. Reid was booked for removing his shirt so he needs to be careful in the second match to avoid a suspension.

In truth it was a poor game but for a Kiwi supporter like me it was intense, it was fascinating and it was ultimately rewarding. The Slovakian manager Vladimir Weiss called it a minor sporting tragedy but in truth, whilst they had looked better than New Zealand with ball at feet they had not created enough goalscoring opportunities to win.

Group F preview

Italy

Strengths: Italy are, as always, strong at the back with quality going forward. With famous highly skilled players like Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Gattusso, Pirlo, De Rossi and Gilardino Italy are always capable of winning football matches, regardless of who they play. Pirlo in particular has always been a wonderfully  creative player with an ability to make precise searching long field passes. He is their key playmaker. Italy are historically an excellent defending team - history provides us with Nesta and Maldini to prove this point. On paper it is still defence which is where their best capabilities lie. This probably stems from Seria A being a traditionally strong defensive league. Cannavaro is their leader from the back but their top defender is probably Chiellini, who at 25 should serve Italy well for many years to come. Buffon of course is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Weaknesses: There are fairly valid criticisms that Italy are an aging squad with a number on decline rather than at the peak of their powers. They lack a world class striker up front. While Gilardino, Iaquinta and Di Natale are good players they do not quite have the qualities of the best strikers in the world. Gilardino has the best strike rate of their strikers. Pirlo, who is potentially key, is struggling with an injury which may rule him out of some of the early games of the tournament.

Formation: It appears Lippi is still pondering whether to employ a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. He certainly tried both in their last friendly against the Guateng All Stars.

Manager: Marcelo Lippi has won many titles in his 25 year managerial career and has a fantastic reputation. To his name, domestically, he has five Serie A titles, four Italian Supercup, one Champions League, one UEFA Supercup and one Intercontinental Cup. He also won the World Cup in 2006 and was reappointed in 2008 after Donadoni led Italy to a poor Euro 2008 campaign.

Qualification: Italy won their European qualifying group with the minimum of fuss.

World Cup pedigree: Italy are the second most successful national side with 4 World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006). They have competed in every tournament except two, finished second twice (1970 and 1994), third once (1990) and fourth once (1978)

Chance of progression from Group F: 80%, could manage first place.

New Zealand

Strengths: New Zealand's strengths lie in central defence and attack. Ryan Nelsen is the key player and plays at the highest level of them domestically, playing for Blackburn Rovers week in and week out. He is the inspirational captain. Fellow centre-backs Tommy Smith and Winston Reid are young and have barely played internationally but they are also very talented. Smith is at Ipswich Town and Reid plays in the Danish premier league. They are composed on the ball and look a real talent. Up front Fallon is strong in the air and physically dominant, Smeltz has scored a number of goals for clubs in the Australian A League and Killen is useful. The Kiwis are also a committed bunch with a close team spirit who can play better than the sum of their parts.

Weaknesses: New Zealand are weakest in midfield. Elliott and Brown are a reasonable centre-mid pairing but in general the midfield gives the ball away too easily and lacks creativity. Brown is also under an injury cloud after surgery on a fractured upper arm. Bertos can be an exciting winger but in the position he plays in the All Whites chosen formation he spends too much time defending to show off much attacking prowess. Defending down the flanks is a definite weakness for the All Whites. Also, the players I have outlined as their strengths are a relative strength - when comparing like with like with the vast majority of the teams at the World Cup they would be seen unfavourably.

Formation: Should be a 3-4-3/5-4-1. In other words NZ play 3 centre-backs, 2 wing-backs, 2 central midfielders and 3 strikers. As is the nature of a wing-back the wing-backs are fullbacks on defence and wingers on attack. In defence 2 of the strikers will usually drop back to midfield to help out.

Manager: Ricki Herbert - former NZ international who played at the 1982 World Cup. He combines his international management with domestic management for Wellington Phoenix who play in the Australian A League.

Qualification: NZ won Oceania comfortably before facing Bahrain in a playoff for SouthAfrica. The Kiwis held Bahrain to a 0-0 draw in Bahrain and then fashioned out a magnificent 1-0 home victory at Wellington's Westpac Trust Stadium. I went to that game and it was one of the nights of my life.

World Cup pedigree: NZ have only had one previous World Cup appearance, in 1982 in which they lost all 3 games, scoring twice and conceding 12.

Chance of progression from Group F: 20%, could easily finish last but I'm going to be positive and predict third place!


Paraguay

Strengths: Paraguay play an exciting brand of football - they can be lethal on the counter-attack. They are well equipped defensively having only conceded 16 goals from 18 qualifying games. Their key players will be the brave predatory Valdez up front and the creative hard working Riveros in midfield. And of course Roque Santa Cruz who with 69 caps, 21 goals and experience in the Premier League could be crucial to the cause.

Weaknesses: Paraguay will really miss Cabanas who was their top scorer in qualifying. An excellent goalscorer, he was shot in the head in January and whilst recovering nicely is not fit to take part in the World Cup. Paraguay tend not to enjoy possession play and so will be vulnerable to teams who pass well.

Formation: Probably a 4-4-2 although they may switch to a 4-3-3 if it suits.

Manager: Argentinian Gerardo Martino. He had about 8 years experience of coaching Paraguayan clubs domestically before being appointed international manager.

Qualification: Paraguay finished 3rd in South America - one point behind Brazil and on equal points (with an inferior goal difference) with Chile.

World Cup pedigree: This is Paraguay's eighth world cup. They have reached the second round on three occasions (1986, 1998 and 2002) but have never progressed further.

Chance of progression from Group F: 65%, probably in 2nd place but should give Italy a run for their money for top spot.

Slovakia

Strengths: Slovakia have a strong defence led by the imposing and very good player (particularly in the air), Martin Skrtel. Hamsik is a technically gifted midfielder who has earnt rave reviews at Napoli. Sestak is an exciting player in the forward line. Their biggest strength is defence although they scored a lot of goals in qualifying. All of their players play outside Slovakia for reasonable European sides.

Weaknesses: They only have a limited number of star quality players who, if they were injured, would leave a big hole in the side. Skrtel has just managed to battle back from injury to be fit. They also lack creative guile at times in the midfield although the likes of Stoch, Hamsik and Weiss will play with good skill and pace. Slovakia also lack a prolific goalscorer and will hope for goals throughout the team.

Formation: Probably 4-4-2.

Manager: Vladimir Weiss - on his first international assignment.

Qualification: Finished top of a group also containing Slovenia, Czech Republic and Poland.

World Cup pedigree: Slovakia was a part of Czechoslovakia from 1918 until 1992. The Czech national team qualified for eight World Cups finishing second on two occasions (1934 and 1962). The last World Cup that Czechoslovakia participated in was Italia '90. The team progressed to the quarter-finals and lost to eventual champions Germany 1-0. From the 17 national team players, eight were Slovakian. Slovakia turned into an independent Republic in 1993. This is their first World Cup participation as an independent nation.

Chance of progression from Group F: 50%, may miss out.