Ala Hann Sport picks

One of the top teams competing in this year’s World Cup, the Italy side will be considered the class of Group F when they meet with Paraguay on the fourth day of the tournament for the opening kickoff to their division’s play. With a prominent disparity throughout the groups between the top teams and those that were among the last to qualify, the defending betting World Cup champions embark on South Africa with a much bigger goal than just getting past the opening stage. For the opponent however, the final day of group play could be the key to getting past the round robin, an accomplishment that in itself must ultimately be considered a success for the Slovakia side.

Group F

Slovakia v Italy

06/24/10 – 16:00

Johannesburg- JEP

Leading Up To The 2010 World Cup: Slovakia

This will be the first time in the history of this young nation that Slovakia will compete on the major international stage in a soccer tournament such as the World Cup betting competition. Void of many recognizable names, the Slovak side has relied on fundamentals, strategy, and a team concept where no one individual has been greater than the team. Those factors have helped Slovakia clinch the top spot in Group 3 qualifying leading up to South Africa, as Martin Skrtel, Marek Hamsik and company upset several teams projected to give them trouble in the qualifying rounds, losing only to Slovenia during the process. A 1-0 win over Poland on the final day was the clinching victory, and now head coach Vladimir Weiss’ side turn their head to an even greater accomplishment, getting past the opening round in the World Cup tournament.

Leading Up To The 2010 World Cup: Italy

Undoubtedly one of the leading contenders in this year’s World Cup predictions after their improbable run in 2006, the Azzurri are one of two nations to win the tournament in successive years in the past, a feat that they look to repeat in 2010. Despite dramatic turnover since they triumphed in Berlin four years ago, Italy clinched the top spot in Group 8 in qualifying by taking their traditional approach of shutting down the other team’s top stars, and attacking in transition with some of the most talented players in the world. Missing from the disappointing finish at the Euro Cup two years ago, captain Fabio Cannavaro is back alongside goaltender Gianluigi Buffon to help shut down the opposition, and allow a potent Azzurri striking unit the opportunity to lead them to glory.

World Cup 2010 Match Up: Slovakia v Italy

While Italy will have likely clinched a spot in the next round after games against Paraguay and New Zealand, this game could have major implications for both teams. Top spot is very important in the survival game at these tournaments, and a second place finish would result in Italy playing the top soccer betting seed from another group, a situation no favorite wants to find it self in so early in the tournament. For Slovakia, this could be the deciding game that gets them through, and with a little luck, perhaps the game that sees this side challenge Italy for the top spot in the division.

Pick: Italy