World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/14/2010

Written by Aaron on June 13, 2010 – 11:24 pm -

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Paraguay Italy Group F – Game 3

Paraguay vs. Italy

ESPN – 11:30 AM ET

Paraguay:

Paraguay finished in third place in CONMEBOL just behind Chile and Brazil and ahead of Argentina. Paraguay was kind of a sleeper team throughout qualification beating mighty Brazil at home! Paraguay won’t have names that the common soccer fan will really recognize, other than Cabanas who was shot in the head in Mexico early in January of 2010. They work as a team, they play as a team. They show heart and passion. Paraguay has now been considered one of the best teams to qualify that has come out of South America. This is largely due to their rhythm and style of play; it’s open and fast. Paraguay looks to impose their style of play on their opponents and will demand respect with their aggressive methods. Although they’ve never had an impressive run in the World Cup, now they look to change that with a fresh squad that has proven themselves through qualification.

More after the jump….

Paraguay’s key players:

Lucas Barrios: Called up to replace Salvador Cabanas, Lucas is known in the German Bundelsiga as one of the deadliest and most accurate strikers that is coming out of the woodwork. Lucas netted himself 19 goals this year for Borussia Dormund, and his form has sharpened as he carries over into the World Cup. Lucas plays his back to the goal and works the defenders. He does struggle when he is played as the lone striker up top, as he needs his team to help him. He will taunt the other team through his dribbling skills and wide runs through the top of the box. Lucas has had some beautiful strikes on goal throughout his career and we are looking forward to watching him.

Edgar Benitez: Edgar is a young striker that has recently burst into the picture of the national team for Paraguay. Edgar currently plays for Pachuca in Mexico, and plays his role as a super sub, coming in late into games with his pace and talent to stretch the defense and tally goals late in the game. Edgar is impressive for his age, and we may see him make an impact this year for his country. One other noteworthy thing about this kid is that his distribution of the ball to his team is superb. Watch Edgar through his first World Cup.

Italy:

Winners of four World Cups, Italy wants more. After winning the World Cup in 2006, Italy looked sharp through qualifying and had some impressive games in the 2009 Confederations Cup. Italy have had X’s on their chests for a while now, being one of t he best teams in the world. Now, Italy have pretty much the same squad; although surprisingly enough Fabio Grosso, who’s penalty kick won it all for them in 2006, wasn’t called up to the squad. The Azzurri have a well rounded team full of seasoned veterans and World Cup newbies, all worthy for playing for the defending champs.

Italy’s key players:

Andrea Pirlo: You’ve heard his name before in the last World Cup. Andrea is known as one of the best play makers in the game today, earning respect from every team he plays. Pirlo has a beautiful way of playing the game; He’s quick, flashy, and has a tremendous work rate, always having a nose for goal. If his team gets a free kick in the offensive third, Pirlo will be the one to take it. His free kicks are scintillating! Pirlo may have another World Cup in him, but just like some of his other teammates he is getting older and slowing down. Without a doubt he will be one of the most consistent players for Italy this year.

Fabio Canavaro: This is likely Fabio’s last World Cup for Italy, as he is looking four years older and not the central defender he used to be. Still, though, Canavaro is a ridiculous defender. He’s a rock. Fabio has been a textbook defender for juggernaut teams like Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and now he plays for Juventus. Fabio has some of the best defending ever; he’s a striker’s worst nightmare. His vision of the run of play is what makes him so impressive and so valuable. Fabio snuffs out plays early and has excellent distribution. In recent rumor-news, Fabio Canavaro has been linked to Philadelphia Union after the World Cup.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Italy 2 – Paraguay 2) The two teams are both very hard working teams and will muscle each other for each inch. I’m guessing there will be more cards than goals scored.

Taylor Fugate:

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