World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/15/2010
Written by Aaron on June 14, 2010 – 10:41 pm -
Group F – Game 2
Slovakia vs. New Zealand
ESPN – 7:30 AM ET
Slovakia:
Slovakia is making their first appearance ever since breaking off from the Czechs. The Slovaks have made their case in qualifying for this World Cup with an impressive record of 7-2-1. Many think that Slovakia will make it out of their group, being heavily favored over New Zealand and Paraguay. The Slovaks have some impressive young players on their team that show promise and creative style, which may get them out of group play. After group stages are done, who knows how well they will do because even though they have a slight favor over some of the other teams, Slovakia is inexperienced in the World Cup stage and have a young team.
More after the jump…
Slovakia’s key players:
Marek Hamsik: When you see this kid, you will think two words: Wild Hair! Hopefully, e to mind as well, like: talented, flashy, speedy, etc… Hamsik plays for the Italian club Napoli, and has had an impressive run there. He is a very talented player and still has some rare qualities. He looks like a dancer out there as he jives left and right with the ball- darting toward the keeper and slotting balls home! Marek will make his name out there, if not for scoring goals for his side, but stretching the defense and having an incredible passion for the game.
Stanislav Sestak: Likely to be paired up top with Marek Hamsik, Stavislav also has an incredible appetite for goals. He is known for putting pressure on the defense and stealing balls back for his team when all hope seems to be lost, or a play has died down for his team. This will bode well for Slovakia because of his passing ability through tight situations. Sestak should do well for his team, although, one of his major flaws is that he is in and out of his game a lot, not knowing forwards best friend: Consistency. Hopefully, the Slovaks can put it together starting with this man right here.
New Zealand:
New Zealand has shown heart and determination throughout their soccer career. This time the All Whites have a slim chance if they just put their heads together and work as a team! New Zealand was considered a door mat in the 2009 Confederations Cup, many forgetting that they were actually in the tournament. They have the experience of playing in South Africa, and playing in big games; but some aren’t believers in the All Whites. New Zealand has had an easier time qualifying when the Aussies were moved to a different region. That opened the door for them to succeed. Still, though, New Zealand isn’t picked to make it out of group stage, their form is in question and people ask: Who is going to score goals for them.
New Zealand’s key players:
Ryan Nelsen: This man looks like a true New Zealander! From head to toe he looks like more like a defender. He is the mainstay of the New Zealand back line, and has his eyes set on keeping it tight back there. Nelsen has international experience for club and country, currently playing for Blackburn Rovers in the Premiere League. Nelsen believes in his side if they work together! What little is known about Ryan, will soon be made known in this World Cup. His teammates love him, as he is a big presence for them.
Simon Elliot: Some of us here in the states should know about Simon Elliot, he played for the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Columbus Crew in MLS. Simon is a fantastic midfielder who plays at a high level, even at the old age of 36 that he is at. Simon has been playing quality soccer for his whole life and his soccer IQ is very high. You won’t see him playing with flare and quick feet. But you will see Simon make simple, tactically sound passes to his teammates to help build up a play. Young Kiwi’s could learn a thing or two about this old timer.
Predictions:
Aaron York: (Slovakia 1 – New Zealand 0) This should be a flat and boring match….. maybe I just don’t know enough about either team. That’s actually a better prediction. But New Zealand Is a place I’d like to live one day!
Taylor Fugate: (New Zealand 2 – Slovakia 2) This should be a good game! Two “B” Teams battling It out for 3 points.
Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.
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Tags: New Zealand vs Slovakia
Posted in Soccer, World Cup | 2 Comments »
June 15th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
What the hell is on that dudes arm that headed the ball in for New Zealand??? AY… I need your help on this one… ughhh!
June 15th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
It’s one of those performance bandages used to keep pressure on strained muscles or tendons. It can also be used to keep knees from hyper extending, or in his case…. To keep his arm from raising too high and further damaging his shoulder.