South Africa World Cup Group F : How Paraguay and Slovakia made it to the super 16
The group stage for this FIFA World Cup is over (almost) and we already have most of the draws for the knockout rounds. There is an exciting England vs Germany encounter to be looked forward to, but group F saw the shock of the tournament. Let’s take a look at the top two from this group.
PARAGUAY
They topped the group with five points and have been in good form. They’ve scored 3 goals and all of them have come from non-strikers! It’s not that they don’t have proper strikers. They have the likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Nelson Valdez and Antonio Cardozo. Steady performance, with strong defending and effective attacks is their USP.
Next up: Japan stands in the way of Paraguay and quarter-finals. And this one will be an encounter to look forward to, if you’re a fan of good football and not just ‘stars’. Sure, there aren’t many well-known faces in the two teams. But Japan play some really attacking (sometimes even reckless) football.
They are particularly effective on counter attacks and long-balls. Paraguayan defenders Paulo Ceasar Da Silva and Antolin Alcaraz won’t have issues with set pieces but will have to be on their toes for the seething attacks through the centre.
Key Players: Goalkeeper Just Villar has been a rock at the back. The aforementioned centre backs too are vital to stop the Japanese onslaught. The midfield creativity depends upon Cristian Riveros and up ahead, Cardozo hold the vital reigns to Paraguay’s success.
Prediction: Paraguay might just steal this one with a narrow victory. 2-1 is my hunch.
SLOVAKIA
The Slovaks must still be in dreamland. And why not? It’s not often that you qualify for the World Cup the first time and you advance to the next round. And that too by overcoming the current champions.
All said and done, it can be said without a shadow of a doubt that Slovakia deserve to be in the second round. They dropped points in the first match against New Zealand and succumbed to a defeat against Paraguay, but played like lions against an ageing Italian team.
They left caution to the wind and all out to attack and inflicted the first wound in their final group stage match. Fast and aggressive, they signify the true underdog spirit and determination, if clichés are to be followed. And the defence has done its job too, albeit a bit loosely.
Next up: The Slovaks have a huge task at hand. They are to meet Netherlands, who have won all three of their group stage matches. And it could get worse for them, since Arjen Robben has returned to competitive fitness levels and if he starts, it’ll keep the defence pretty busy.
The Dutch play confidently and keep a lot of possession, especially between the three attacking midfielders Wesley Sneijder, van der Vaart and Dirk Kuyt.
Key Players: Defender Martin Skrtel has been solid and strong throughout the tournament, but the Slovaks defence fell apart when the Italians launched a desperate onslaught in the last game.
The ball was rolling around dangerously and confusion prevailed. Skrtel and co will have to ensure that they don’t commit the same mistakes against the Oranje lest they get punished for it.
Marek Hamsik is the key man for the midfield and it goes without saying that he will be heavily marked by Mark van Bommel. Striker Robert Vittek is on a high after 3 goals in 3 games and will surely make life difficult for Heitinga and Mathijsen.
Prediction: The Slovak dream will unfortunately be shattered. I see this one going 2-0 in favour of the Oranje.
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