Group F, projected order of finish (top two, in bold, to advance):
Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand.
Comments:
Ok, let’s just etch Italy in stone into the second round. In this anti-Group of Death the Italians, who are always in the running to win it all, will cruise.
Similarly, let’s just etch New Zealand in stone into fourth place in this group. The Kiwis, whose soccer nickname “The All Whites” does not have exactly the same menacing air as their All Black national rugby counterparts (by the way- “The All Whites” is an especially burdensome name to bring to the New South Africa) belong in the “just happy to be here” category. They might get crushed in some of these games, especially since pounding New Zealand into submission might be necessary for Paraguay or Slovakia to advance.
I think this group will have one of the tightest competitions for that second slot. Both Paraguay and Slovakia are dangerous. I am going to give Paraguay a slight advantage based on the dubious methodological standard that Paraguay beat Brazil in qualifying. Plus I think they have a stronger offensive game than Slovakia and will be playing New Zealand last, so if it comes down to goal differential, Paraguay will have a target.
