Today in World Cup play, the USA took on a surprising Slovenia team who jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half. After a warriors like effort to battle back, the USA looked to have completed the magic and won the game. But wait… a foul, offsides, handball, foul??? Nobody can figure out why the goal was disallowed and the refs aren’t saying nothing. The referee who made the decsion, Koman Coulibaly really had no explination when asked what he called. Sorry USA soccer fans – you just got shit on again in major international competition.

Or, was this beauty in the 2002 World Cup in South Korea the worst call of all-time to go against the USA. Watch starting at the 2:00 mark and look at all the different angles that clearly show the ball being kept out of the net by German midfielder, Torsten Frings. Not only did the ball get stopped by Frings hand, but the ball looks to have crossed the goal line regardless.

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Group H – Game 1

Honduras vs. Chile

ESPN – 7:30 AM ET

Honduras:

Honduras squeaked into the tournament in the eleventh hour with USA’s Jonathan Bornstein header against Costa Rica to put the Hondurans up into third place! Honduras has a fantastic side that shouldn’t be messed with. This team knows how to attack on the wings, bring the ball through the middle and finish. It seems like they’ve got it right for quite some time. True, though, from time to time they falter with too many men forward on the counter, and on set pieces. Honduras looks to make their second appearance in the World Cup since 1982. Much like some of the other smaller, under-achieving teams, Honduras has true, raw talent that look to get out of a mighty Group H.

More after the jump…

Honduras’ key players:

Carlos Pavon: Talk about a guy who takes his chances, Carlos has been known to make some fantastic goals, and miss some gift wrapped sitters. Pavon is a proper veteran for his side and is a true leader for his team. Carlos has experience from all over the world, playing for over 14 different clubs throughout his life; he now turns his focus on the World Cup. His team hopes he shows up this time, sometimes in bigger games, he doesn’t seem to turn up. Carlos has a nose for the goal though, with a good sense of where to be at the right time.

Amado Guevara: The former star from Major League Soccer will be shine this world cup. Much like his other counterparts, he is a leader on the field, and has many years of experience. Known by his country as El Lobo, or, The Wolf, he makes his presence known in the midfield with an incredible work rate. Amado likes to go forward and take shots if he has the space. But his true talent is distribution and diving (no, really).

Chile:

Chile is making its ninth appearance in the tournament, and this time, they want to do better than just making it to the tournament and playing in the first round! Chile have an unbridled passion for the game of soccer, and each and every game they play, they look good, win or lose. They have had some drama in the World Cup, being banned in 1994 for their goal keeper faking a phantom fire cracker hitting him in the head, and halting the game, but it seems like the country is past that and is ready to rock and roll. How will Chile fair against the likes of Honduras, Spain and Switzerland? We think they will do quite well and keep their composure.

Chile’s key players:

Humberto Suazo: A powerful striker for Real Zaragoza in Spain’s La Liga. He is known in club and country for having a powerful shot and running in on the defense in tight areas with the ball at his feet! Go youtube his videos the goals he has scored and you can clearly see that Suazo is certainly a skilled striker! He somehow gets in front of his defenders and can easily slot the ball behind the keeper. Suazo will be extremely fun to watch this World Cup, and we hope he has a good stand.

Jorge Valdivia: Jorge leads the Chileans in this World Cup with the Captains arm band. Known as “the Magician”, this guy is creative with the ball at his feet and his quick turns and faints will take anyone to school. He’s got one heck of a shot too, usually creating some serious shots for himself and his teammates in the box. If he scores, watch for his patented celebration of making a crying baby, mocking his defenders. Sometimes he’s too creative, and he’s not what he used to be as he is getting older. If you give him space, he’ll have some fun and put on a show for the crowd.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Honduras 2 – Chile 1) A win for a team that no one is expecting to do anything is in the books. Wilson Palacios of Tottenham Hot Spurs in England is a super special player and Suazo is hurt for Chile. Surprise Surprise..

Taylor Fugate: (Chile 3 – Honduras 1) Two desperate teams fighting to make it past group stages. Goal fest anyone?

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

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Group H – Game 2

Spain vs. Switzerland

ESPN – 10:00 AM ET

Spain:

I think more than any other team, Spain is getting the most votes for predicted World Cup Champion. And I don’t think we’re picking any differently on playahatin. Spain Is what you’d consider stacked – Outside of Brazil, I don’t think any team has so much talent. Yeah, The United States beat them in the Confederations Cup, but I think that was the “waking up of a sleeping giant” game that Spain needed. You have to consider that Spain, has lost only once in 49 games. They won the 2008 European championship and finished with a 10-0-0 record in World Cup qualifying. Their only defeat since 2006 was the 2-0 loss to the United States at last summer’s Confederations Cup, ending Spain’s record 35-game unbeaten streak. That my friends is pretty damn impressive! Spain plays fast, composed possession soccer laced with superstars at every position. Another run of good form could see Spain make their first appearance in a World Championship surprisingly.

More after the jump…

Spain’s key players:

David Villa: The new addition to super club, Barcelona is a goal scoring machine and a midfield dynamo! He is so much fun to watch and so creative with the ball at his feet. His free kicks are some of the best in the world, and he is a very engaging defender in the midfield. David Villa basically does it all aside from dawning the different colored jersey and the big gloves of the goal keeper. Villa has notched 38 goals in his 58 games with Spain, as well as over 200 goals in his club career. 107 of them with his most recent club, Valencia in Spain over a five year period. Watch out for Villa to win the Golden Boot as the tournaments top scorer. He pumped in 3 goals in the 2006 World Cup as a new arrival on the world soccer scene.

Fernando Torres: The 26 year old super-striker who plays his club soccer at English powerhouse, Liverpool is considered by many as the top striker in the world. His nickname, El Nino perfectly tells you how he plays. He is fast, aggressive and truly gifted running with the ball. Torres has netted 136 goals in his short 6 year club career as well as 24 goals for Spain. Torres also scored 3 goals in the 2006 World Cup, and he looks to carry the team all the way to the top in 2010.

Switzerland:

 Coming off a great performance in the 2006 World Cup Switzerland should be primed and confident to make a deep run once again. The only problem is that the injury bug has bit them hard. Injuries have taken away the Swiss’ all-time leading goal-scorer, Alexander Frei and a truly great midfielder in Valon Behrami. The Swiss tend to play a defensive style of game and had great success with it throughout qualifying for the World Cup. They rattled off a 6-1-3 record while only conceding 8 goals and recording 4 shutouts. While the defense is solid, the goal scoring may be hard to come by. Especially without Frei and Behrami.

Switzerland’s key players:

Blaise Nkufo: This is a guy that all of us in the USA will get to know very well after the World Cup. Nkufo will be joining the Seattle Sounders of the MLS for the rest of his professional career. Nkufo has only appeared for his national team 29 times, but has notched 7 goals as a replacement for injured star striker, Alexander Frei. At 35 years old, the towering, physical striker may have a hard time with such old legs. He just finished his club season with Dutch side, F.C. Twente – Nkufo has tallied over 200 goals in his club career and 116 of them in the last 6 years with Twente.

Tranquillo Barnetta: You may remember the young winger from the 2006 World Cup, where Barnetta, 21 years old at the time scored a beauty of a goal against Togo in group play and created several great goals from the wing for his teammates. Barnetta was in the running for the tournaments “Best Young Player” award, but finished second in the running. He plays his club football at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and is truly a great player to watch play the wing. Watch for him to make his name heard in this tournament.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Spain 2 – Switzerland 1) I think this will be a tight game and Spain will use it to get their wheels spinning. But these will most likely be the teams to advance from the group. The Swiss defense and counter attack against Spain’s all out track meet.

Taylor Fugate: (Spain 5 – Switzerland 2) The highest scoring game of the tournament.

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

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Watching the USA vs England game on Saturday was just fantastic. The bar was filled with 600 people, 50 of them England fans. They were a loud and proud bunch as Steven Gerard notched a goal 3 minutes into the match. The USA fans were dead silent for a bit, but were bailed out with a complete fail from England goalkeeper, Robert Green. So, I had to pay tribute to a couple of my sports heroes that came to mind when I saw Green’s gaffe.

So, what do Bill Buckner, Robert Green and Paris Hilton have in common…. I’d say balls flying between their legs is a fair assessment. Get a look at the videos below to watch Buckners world famous fielding techniques, that cost the Red Sox a Championship. Also, for more entertainment, I threw up a video of Green, displaying his world class shot stopping techniques.

Mookie Wilson, Clint Dempsey and several jack asses who have visited Paris Hiltons tackle box say thank you to these three complete failures on the field of play.

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Group G – Game 2

North Korea vs. Brazil

ESPN – 2:30 PM ET

North Korea:

North Korea haven’t always had the opportunity to play in the World Cup, making their only appearance in 1966 and making it to the Quarter-finals, however now they look at the their chances in the finals. They aren’t necessarily in the easiest of groups. North Korea faces a daunting Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Portugal in Group G. In all reality, they have no chance. Nevertheless, North Korea has some rising players that are looking impressive, and their style of play is fast and vicious. Don’t let North Korea get on a counter attack – you will have no chance. They look to do their best in such a hard group, but at this point it’s good to say to North Korea: Good Job! You made it to the World Cup.

More after the jump…

North Korea’s key players:

Ri Myong-Guk: North Korea’s number one man in goal. If his team is going to earn respect and get noticed, it starts with this man. He is the reason why North Korea is where they are now. Throughout qualification, Ri only let in seven goals. Right now, Ri is considered the hottest hands in all of Korea. He is surely going to have to make some big saves this World Cup, and we think he will. But will it be enough for his team

Hong Yong-Jo: Hong’s experience in the Russian league is what earns him the right to be considered North Korea’s skipper. He is a very modest man, but plays with intent and heart. Hong lives in Russia without a Television or a refrigerator. He’s very level headed and zen-like. Is there any wonder why he is the captain of this team? Hong combines well with what seems to be like anyone on his team. He’s always there for his team, being in good positions to pass the ball, receive it in tight areas, and he is a great finisher. Hong’s presence will be noticed on the pitch as he leads North Korea in their first appearance in Forty-four years.

Brazil:

 What more can be said about Brazil? Nothing needs to be said. Brazil is Brazil. Many of their opponents know the outcome of what’s going to happen to them, and sometimes the only thing you can do is absorb their pressure and kick the ball up field. Brazil came in first place in COMNEBOL with an impressive record. Now, the world’s best team looks to notch another star on their jersey with their sixth World Cup title. There’s no secret as to why the Brazilians are so amazing; they have fun while they play. But with Brazil’s head coach Dunga not calling up some of the country (and worlds) best soccer stars (Ronaldinho, Pato, Neymar), there begins to be some polite murmurs as legends Pele and Romario urged for these players inclusion on Dunga’s squad.

Brazil’s key players:

Kaka: The Real Madrid superstar leads the Brazilian team with number ten. He makes plays, has a deadly and accurate shot and can play as a target forward if needed. Kaka has impressed the world since he was in his teens, and now he feels more ready than ever before in this World Cup. Watch Kaka with his dribbling skills and passes the ball through acute angles. This World Cup, the world will be cheering Kaka’s name

Luis Fabiano: Luis Fabiano is a leader on this team. He is also one of the best strikers up front. Luis can pivot on a dime with the ball always at his feet. He embodies the way all Brazilians want to be known how to play. Although he is technically gifted with his dribbling skills, he certainly isn’t the best on his side. Luis is more of a bulldozer forward with nonstop pace. He lunges towards his defenders and can shake them off with a deft touch from side to side or a faint pass to an onrushing team mate. Luis has what it takes to get the Brazilians their sixth star.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Brazil 4 – North Korea 0) I think the evil Koreans will sit back and play defensive and actually keep the score sheet clean for the first half, but Brazil will get a goal at some point in the second half, and once that happens, the flood gates open.

Taylor Fugate: Brazil 4 – North Korea 0

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

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Group G – Game 1

Ivory Coast vs. Portugal

ESPN – 10:00 AM ET

Ivory Coast:

After the draw into Group G, Ivory Coast were staring a tough road right in the eyes. Many consider Group G “The Group Of Death” and many couldn’t decide who would advance alongside Brazil. Ivory Coast were looking very strong coming into the tournament, fielding one of the best players in the world in the form of Chelsea front man, Didier Drogba. Going by the nickname, Les Elephants the team from the host continent were looked upon as the most likely to perform well in 2010. Ivory Coast won their qualifying group without losing a single game. They play fast, aggressive, attacking soccer and they’re really a joy to watch. But, an injury to Drogba during a friendly against Japan a few weeks ago has many doubting this Ivory Coast team and can change the run of form they’ve been having.

More after the jump…

Ivory Coast’s key players:

Didier Drogba: As mentioned above, the star striker was injured a few weeks back in a friendly against Japan. Drogba, the captain has since had surgery on his broken elbow and will try to gut it out against Portugal in a specially made cast. The question will be if Drogba, who relies on a physical, body to body type of play, can pick up where he left off with the awkward cast. The 32 year old super star is the all-time leading goal scorer for Ivory Coast, netting 44 goals in 67 games. Drogba also netted 29 goals and was a main cog in Chelsea’s run to the English Premier League Championship. If Drogba doesn’t play, Ivory Coast will have a hard time winning any games.

Yaya Toure: The stud defensive midfielder for Barcelona will be a force that no one in this group wants to run up against. If Drogba can’t go, Toure will become the leader on the field with his wealth of experience. Toure played in the 2006 World Cup and showed very well as a strong defender and an even better distributor out of the midfield. Toure does have the ability to strike goals from distance, and he’s always a threat on set pieces. Also, look out for his little brother, Kolo Toure to shine in his first World Cup playing in front of his older brother for a strong midfield.

Portugal:

The team that seems to have it all together, but can never make that big splash at the World Cup. With a wealth of talent, this team should have the same expectations; To advance deep into this tournament. With one of, if not the best player in the world sporting the green and red, Portugal should be a favorite to advance alongside Brazil from the group of death. Portugal, ranked number 3 in the most recent FIFA rankings have a lot to prove to themselves, and everyone else in the world who doubts their all flash, no substance results. Barely qualifying for the World Cup on aggregate should be enough of a wake up call to Cristiano Ronaldo & co.

Portugal’s key players:

Cristiano Ronaldo: Just like many of the “worlds best” players, Ronaldo has had a knack of performing much better for his club than his country. Ronaldo hasn’t scored a goal for his national team in over a year and a half, but he netted 29 goals for Real Madrid this season. If he wants to assert himself as the best player in the world, it all depends on how he performs and how far this Portugal team can go. He’s a great performer and simply dazzling to watch with the ball at his feet. His free kicks are a thing of pure beauty, but he can be a little to “Hollywood” at times and gets a bad rap for his eccentric persona. Here’s hoping the great player we all know shows up to this World Cup.

Liedson: The 32 year old striker nicknamed, Levezinho (Slender One) Is not the biggest guy out there, but he will outwork anyone on the pitch. This is his first major opportunity for his national team and he looks to show what he’s been doing for his club, Sporting CP since 2003. Liedson has notched 111 goals in 200 appearances for his club and looks to show his ability to finish to the rest of the world. Liedson and Ronaldo will form one of the best attacks you will see in this World Cup. This guy is one of my breakout players of the tournament – a big performance will likely get him a high dollar move to a top 5 club.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Portugal 3 – Ivory Coast 1) I think the Ivory Coast players will be waiting for Drogba to save the day like he always does, and Ronaldo will just pick them apart.

Taylor Fugate: Portugal 3 - Ivory Coast 2

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

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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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Group E – Game 2

Cameroon vs. Japan

ESPN – 10:00 AM ET

Cameroon:

Cameroon is back in the World Cup after missing it in 2006. The team known as, “The Lions” is one of six from the African continent and will feel some sort of home field advantage for their games. Cameroon is based around the work of it’s wing players and the service to their strikers. Samuel Eto’o is the main target up top and has scored many goals for his club and country. Viewed as the second best team in this group behind the Dutch, Cameroon will have a lot of pressure to score goals, which plays right into their weakness. Cameroon struggles against the counter attack and will be vulnerable to the fast paced attack.

More after the jump…..

Cameroon’s key players:

Samuel Eto’o: Cameroon’s all time leading goal scorer (44 goals in 96 games) will have a lot to prove as he has faced much criticism from the local media and former Cameroon internationals. One such spat of words between Eto’o and former star, Roger Milla, led to the threat from Eto’o that he was going to quit the team. Eto’o has been a machine for his club teams, winning back to back Champions League trophies with Barcelona and Inter Milan. A run that has seen him notch 52 goals between the 2 seasons. If Eto’o can pick his game up on the big stage, look out for Cameroon to be the only African team to advance out of group play.

Georges Mandjek: Mandjek is a rising young star who has been flying under the radar for the past year. He plays his club soccer in Germany for Stuttgart. The 21 year old versatile, two-way midfielder is constantly on the go, breaking up opposing teams attacks and turning it into a quick counter attack that he orchestrates through the wings. Watch for Mandjek to become a big star in this tournament if Cameroon goes anywhere.

Japan:

Very few believe this Japanese team possesses the personnel to make a run back to the round of 16 like they did in 2002. Japan has limped into the World Cup losers of their past four games by a combined score of 9-1. Their main weapon is their ability to sit in defensively and quickly counter attack with their beautiful possession and short passing game. The Samurai will be playing in their fourth World Cup and are long shots to get out of this group. If they’re to surprise us and get out of the group stage, here’s some players that will be key for their success.

Japan’s key players:

Keisuke Honda: Although this sounds like a new make of vehicle, it’s actually Japan’s best option for advancing out of the group stage. He plays his club soccer in Europe for CSKA Moscow, and helped them make a deep run into the Champions League. Honda is deadly on free-kicks as well as whipping in crosses and releasing the strikers on deadly runs. If Japan wants to get out of this group, Honda will have to lead the way.

Shunsuke Nakamura: Another creative midfielder, and one who is idolized and adored by his native country. Nakamura has had some great moments in his club career, with Celtic in Champions League play, he dazzled us with a free kick against Manchester United that essentially sealed his move to Espanyol. Nakamura has also starred in a World Cup in 2006 for Japan and was clearly the best player on the pitch for the Samurai.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Cameroon 1 – Japan 0) Japan will get caught on the counter attack and Eto’o will use his speed to make them pay.

Taylor Fugate:

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

Related posts:

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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:

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

Related posts:

1. World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/13/2010 Group D – Game 2 Germany vs. Australia ABC...
2. World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/11/2010 Group A – Game 2 Uruguay vs. France ESPN...
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Group E – Game 1

Denmark vs. Netherlands

ESPN – 7:30 AM ET

Denmark:

The Danes are a very dangerous team who has a history of success in this tournament. They have never failed to get out of the group stages, and made it into the round of 16, twice out of the last three World Cups. Denmark has a very good mixture of old and young players, a side who relies on a holding midfielder to distribute and orchestrate. We wouldn’t be surprised to see the Danes advance out of this group to the next round.

More after the jump….

Denmark’s key players:

Niklas Bendtner: The late game heroics have become almost commonplace for the 22 year old Bendtner. But, as great as the strikers game winners and dramatic goals in the dying moments of games have been, his disappearing and bad decision making have been very hard for Arsenal fans to handle. His performance in the Champions League may be a good enough sign for us to believe that he will be a break out star in South Africa.

Christian Poulsen: A very aggressive and brash central midfielder, Poulsen has had his fair share of successes and failures on the pitch. Going from being named the best U21 player, to throwing punches that lead to multiple match bans. His aggressive play can get the best of him and lead to unnecessary cards, fouls and lapses in defense that allow shots on goal. But, when he’s on his game, opponents fear him and goals tend to come his way.

Netherlands:

Considered by many as the best team to never win a World Cup, The Dutch look to put their stamp on international soccer in this tournament with what looks to be their strongest team ever from the midfield forward, but a few questions on defense and in goal. A team that “would rather play attractive soccer and lose, than play ugly and win” will surely be entertaining to watch. They play fast, technical soccer and go by the name Oranje – That due to their uniforms that resemble a construction worker with numbers that look like they were taped on. This is a favorite team of mine, and i look for them to go deep into the tournament.

Netherland’s key players:

Wesley Sneijder: The versatile attacking midfielder has to be one of the best players in the world. His creative spark in distribution and his ability to shoot from distance keeps him as a threat from anywhere on the field. After being pushed out of Real Madrid this past season, Sneijder landed with Inter Milan, and went on to win three trophies. Watch for Sneijder to be in the running for the Golden Boot as the tournaments leading scorer.

Robin Van Persie: The pretty boy starlet for Arsenal in the English Premier League will be taking on a new role for the Dutch this World Cup. He will be a true number nine, expected to win a lot of balls and hold the ball up for Sneijder and company to get into the attack. Van Persie is coming back from a severe leg injury and will be relied upon for heavy minutes. Keep your eye on Van Persie to have a big tournament and remind us all who he is.

Predictions:

Aaron York: (Netherlands 3 – Denmark 2) The two teams that will most likely advance out of the group battle to the end, but the Dutch find a piece of magic late in the game to secure all 3 points.

Taylor Fugate:

Playahatin.com writers Aaron York and Taylor Fugate will be bringing you previews and predictions for each game.

Related posts:

1. World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/14/2010 Group E – Game 2 Cameroon vs. Japan ESPN...
2. World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/13/2010 Group D – Game 2 Serbia vs. Ghana ESPN...
3. World Cup 2010 Game Previews – 6/11/2010 The 2010 World Cup kicks off in Soccer City...