Group F: Slovakia

Do not underestimate Slovakia, while the lower FIFA ranking, and the abundance of less-than-experienced players may catch your notice, the team is tough as nails.  When qualification started, everyone discounted them. Yet they managed to beat their former federal partners, the Czech Republic, breeze past Poland, and put a damper on Slovenia.

Can they repeat the feat? In Group F, "Repre" have to battle out Italy and Paraguay for a spot to move on, and those two teams will be fighting hard lest they dash the hopes of their respective nations. You can probably put Slovakia down for a win over New Zealand, as it is very likely to happen, but I wouldn't be surprised by a draw or two against the others. With Martin Skrtel [pictured] of Liverpool holding the back line, Slovakia has a realistic chance to sit on a draw and come out of it unscathed. However, that could be playing right into Italy's hands, as they prefer that type of play as well, but it could probably frustrate the South Americans.

As a result, Slovakia will need to find a way to score some goals, and that could be left up to the midfielder Pavol Hamsik, the captain and team inspiration. Realistically, to move on, Slovakia would need at the very worst to beat New Zealand, then draw to either Paraguay or Italy with enough goal differential to break a tie in their favor.

My Prediction: Group F 3rd Place.

Group C: Slovenia

To many, Slovenia is simply a team happy to be at the World Cup, but this doesn't mean one should discount them. During qualification, little was thought about them, but the world took some notice when the team gained some good results to edge out the Czech Republic and Poland, then even upset Russia in a playoff to book a ticket to South Africa.

After twelve games in qualification (including playoffs) Slovenia only gave up five goals! The reason was for their stellar defense which shocked other nations and put them off guard. Although it is not attractive soccer, if they continue to play the way they have then they could be a major upset in the tournament. By frustrating attackers, and neutralizing opposing midfield players with constant possession, Slovenia has the ability to possibly sneak into the round of sixteen knockout stage.

However, it must be noted that in qualification their opponents lacked out and out strikers. Arshavin of Russia was probably the closest to that mantle, but even he does not have the experience as England's lineup, or a few players from the United States and Algeria squads. The goal for Slovenia will be to not get intimidated and keep playing the style they have become accustomed to.

Key Players: Robert Koren (pictured) for West Bromwich Albion (recently promoted to the English Premier League), and Miso Brecko of Koln in the Bundesliga, both defenders, are the anchor for the backline and the reason for a lot of the teams success. If both can stave off energy and keep their good partnership working, then strikers such as England's Wayne Rooney and USA's Landon Donovon could become a non-factor.

My Prediction: Group C 4th Place.