By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Day 13 saw another four teams made it to the last 16 – USA, England, Germany and Ghana.
USA finished on top of Group C after a dramatic last-gasp 1-0 win against Algeria while England edged past Slovenia 1-0 to finish in second spot.
Germany topped Group D after winning the top-of-the-table clash with Ghana 1-0. Despite the loss, Ghana edged out third-placed Australia with a superior goal difference.
Let’s move on to Day 14 where the final Group F matches will be played. Table toppers Paraguay will take on surprise package New Zealand while defending champions Italy will take on cellar dwellers Slovakia.
Italy’s fate are in their own hands as they will be assured of qualification if they beat Slovakia. However a draw or a loss will put New Zealand and Slovakia in contention of snatching their second spot.
Will Italy finally get their act together after a lacklustre start? Or will they, like France in 2002, exit as defending champions after the first round?
Will New Zealand make history by making it to the last 16? Or will Paraguay continue their solid attacking football seen against Slovakia the last time out?
Our pundits bring you their take on who will qualify from Group F.
Mohd Naufal Nur Hakim of Meridian JC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports archive)
Paraguay vs New Zealand
Naufal Says: 2-1 to Paraguay
New Zealand will put up another determined performance but at the rate how the South Americans teams are performing, I expect Paraguay to get one better over the All Whites.
Slovakia vs Italy
Naufal Says: 2-0 to Italy
Italy would want to secure top spot by going all out for the win and scoring more goals. I’m not expecting Slovakia to cause any significant trouble to the Italian defence.
Verdict: Paraguay and Italy to go through
Alvan Tay of RI. (Photo © Alvan Tay)
Paraguay vs New Zealand
Alvan Says: 1–0 to Paraguay
Though the New Zealand football team has won over the hearts of many neutrals with feisty performances against Slovakia and Italy, their fairytale looks set to come to an end against the Paraguayans who have proven themselves to be capable of producing great performances.
Slovakia vs Italy
Alvan Says: 1-0 to Italy
The Italians have been very disappointing in their first two games but they should have enough quality in their side to see off the challenging fight put up by Slovakia in this game. Though it will not be a magnificent victory, Italy should be able to do enough just to edge Slovakia out by a meagre score of 1-0.
Verdict: Paraguay and Italy to go through
More News on Paraguay vs New Zealand
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert admits All Whites nerves
More News on Slovakia vs Italy
Italy coach Marcello Lippi: We must do better
| GROUP F | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PARAGUAY  | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 5 |
SLOVAKIA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
NEW ZEALAND  | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
ITALY  | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 2 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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