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2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Meet Group B’s Japan, New Zealand, Mexico & England
Group B: Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, England
Japan will be thankful to be in such a group. Norio Sasaki’s team has a miserable background in the short history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, New Zealand, Mexico or England are no Germany or Brazil.
England have bad memories of the 2007 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals to erase. Meanwhile, Mexico will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 1-15 overall score line they achieved in their only World Cup finals (1999 edition) till now.
That said, the Japanese could fancy their chances this time.
New Zealand vs Honduras Preview
Neither New Zealand nor Honduras passed beyond the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But, the All Whites certainly gained more positives than Los Catrachos – having not tasted defeat in South Africa. New Zealand even drew Italy 1-1 in a match where less controversy might have seen the underdogs prevailing over four-time world cup winners, the Azzurri. Generally speaking, the Oceanic nation earned more respect and encouragement from the public considering how much they had improved on their disastrous 2009 Confederations Cup campaign.
On the contrary, Honduras experienced failure throughout their short adventure in South Africa. Their display against Spain was totally unconvincing – if not terrible.
Paraguay 0 - 0 New Zealand - FIFA World Cup 2010 Report
There are only a few teams that have managed to end the first stage unbeaten. This match has not shown the best of the Albirroja, for Gerardo Martino tried to secure the first position rather than show once again his offensive prowess. New Zealand has not done enough to earn their place in the next stage, and thus a blue trip back to Oceania will be waiting ahead for the All Whites. Thanks to this result Paraguay will be able to avid Netherlands in the next round. Is Paraguay the heir to the throne?
Where to watch Paraguay vs New Zealand Live - June 24, 2010
GROUP F matches will be played at 10:00 AM EST / 4:30 PM Local time. Matches are played at the same time to avoid any un-natural results that may affect the outcome of the group standings and therefore minimize any favoritism that could potentially occur. Paraguay are not yet through. A loss to New Zealand and an Italian win today will see Paraguay out of the competition. New Zealand have surprised everyone thus far. Paraguay are the favorites to win, but New Zealand will not go down...
Paraguay vs New Zealand - FIFA World Cup 2010 Match Preview
There's only been one victory in this group, and for that reason Italy and New Zealand have equal chances of claiming their ticket for the next stage. The current world champion will be taking on Slovakia's rookies, while New Zealand will have to tear down the Guaranies by at least two goals to secure their ticket for the Round of Sixteen.
Stuck in the middle
Gerardo Martino has one of the strongest midfields in this competition, as Cristian Rivero, Enrique Vera and Victor Cáceres are performing at their highest, recovering most of the balls in the midfield and feeding Guarani's strikers with plenty of opportunities to score as well as keeping their rival's goalkeeper busy with mid distance shots.
Italy face uphill struggle after drawing New Zealand
Italy face an uphill struggle to qualify for the second round of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
Italy vs New Zealand, Another Shock?
Italy To Do Just Like Against Paraguay
Italy took a point from their 2010 World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 14. The Azzurri failed to live up to their fans’ expectations. However, they were playing without veteran Andrea Pirlo in midfield and without top choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for most part of the game. These factors among others explain that Italy’s hard-fought draw against Paraguay contained more positives than negatives certainly.
Coach Marcello Lippi is therefore keen to lineup the same squad that opened Italy’s 2010 World Cup campaign with a draw. According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, the only change will be in goal as Marchetti will take the gloves and start the match as a replacement for the injured Buffon. It is believed that Italy will play a 4-4-2 formation with Gilardino and Iaquinta leading the attack.
Italy vs New Zealand Match Preview
Yet, what may make some bristle is the possibility that the slow start was actually symptomatic of the team’s limitations rather than any traditional reticence. Lippi fielded a 4-3-2-1 system with Fiorentina’s Alberto Gilardino the lone striker in front of Simone Pepe and Vincenzo Iaquinta. In theory, the system was supposed to exploit the pace of wide players Pepe and Iaquinta, giving Riccardo Montolivio an opportunity to create from the middle. In practice, the system was only moderately successful.
Italy certainly pressed with purpose, but they were somewhat toothless in the final third. Indeed, even the equalizing goal by Daniele De Rossi came courtesy of a blunder by Paraguyan goalkeeper Justo Villar. Notwithstanding a spirted and well organized Paraguay side, Italy should have surmounted any challenge that the South Americans posed. Instead, they were made to chase the game after poor marking allowed Antolin Alcaraz to head home in the first half.
Lippi admitted that Italy would need to improve if they hope to make into the latter stages of the tournament. Certainly, Italy should make light work of New Zealand and Slovakia, but given that the likes of Switzerland, Serbia, and Mexico have all caused upsets, Italy will be cautiously optimistic.
2010 World Cup: New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia - Report
New Zealand and Slovakia clashed up against each other to open the day with an entertaining game. For neutrals, although the two teams involved cannot boast of a giant status, this encounter certainly offered more excitement than last night’s 1-1 draw between Italy and Paraguay.
New Zealand vs Slovakia, First Half: The Kiwis Survive
Vladmir Weiss didn’t fail to impress, playing a delightful one-two with Sestak to warn New Zealand with a signal of intent at the 27th minute. The 32nd minute should have been Slovakia’s moment of truth when All-Whites goalkeeper Paston miskicked the ball as he was aiming to take a goal kick. Slovakia’s Vittek was there to try and punish him but a wrong running movement from the player helped New Zealand to survive.
New Zealand vs Slovakia – 2010 World Cup Match Preview
The truth is that, following Italy and Paraguay’s 1-1 draw on Monday night, New Zealand and Slovakia both have the chance of topping the table with a victory. It’s down to these two outsiders to show that they can emulate what Slovenia did in Group C – which was to clinch the top spot after match-day one despite the presence of big guns England and the USA in their section.
Slovakia – Rock In Defense Martin Skrtel Shares His Optimism
Slovakia shocked Europe when they secured an automatic 2010 World Cup finals spot last year. The Repre created history by reaching their first ever World Cup tournament and not even 2006 World Cup participants Poland and the Czech Republic could get in their way. Slovakia are not willing to give up and they are in an optimistic mood ahead of their campaign in South Africa which will kick off with a match against New Zealand on Tuesday.
New Zealand Team Profile – 2010 FIFA World Cup
New Zealand – The country, the football
New Zealand is an island country containing two landmasses: the North Island, and the South Island. The country’s territory lies in the south-western part of the Pacific Ocean, and it also comprises several smaller islands among which are the Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands.
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Group F – 2010 FIFA World Cup
Group F – The favorites at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Italy
Realistically, the Azzurri have absolutely every reason to go ahead for a 100% record in their group stage run. The 2006 World Cup winners remained undefeated the whole of their qualification for the tournament, and for that reason, they were able to keep their high value by grabbing automatic tickets. Italy coach Marcello Lippi possesses an “indestructible” psychology, refusing to believe that their dream of equaling Brazil – in terms of World Cup trophies won – can be shattered by obstacles. The title holders will be assisted with the services of experts like Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, and Andrea Pirlo.
Slovenia vs New Zealand – International Friendly Match Preview
The All Whites have just received a great boost ahead of the World Cup where they’ll have to play against Chile, Slovakia, and Italy in their first three matches. This boost is not about the return of an injured player but about the downfall of Serbia which did happen through Shane Smeltz’s 22nd minute goal in New Zealand’s fantastic 1-0 victory on May 29.
The All Whites had lost to Mexico in March and to Australia on May 24, only for people to confirm New Zealand’s immense inexperience in the world of football. But now, some may reconsider their opinion about the All Whites. Coach Riki Herbert spoke over his side’s surprising victory to the media.
New Zealand vs Serbia - International Friendly Match Preview
Serbian followers may ask themselves why on earth are the White Eagles playing a low-profiled team like New Zealand when there is so little time left to prepare for the 2010 World Cup. Moreover, Serbia's group is tough and analytically difficult to decide as Germany, Ghana, and Australia all stand a good chance of making it into the Round of 16.
An emphatic win; that's the only thing that Serbian fans will wish for. Serbia are known for their strong defense led by Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic and Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic. But in truth, Saturday's game against New Zealand should offer the chance for the European side to explore its attacking abilities.
Iraq v New Zealand Confederations Cup Match Preview
This match will surely feature at least one team still having to play their way through to the next round.
The Iraqis proved how good their defense can be when they managed to hold hosts South Africa to a goalless draw. They were just unlucky to go down 1-0 against Spain in the second round. All the same, The Lions of Mesopotamia have a lot of technique in midfield and individual strength. Only their lack of efficiency upfront might cost them much. However, New Zealand’s miserable defense may come at Iraq’s benefit.
On the other end of the field, the All Whites must duplicate their efforts to press on the back line of their opponents. New Zeland’s prolific goal scorer, Smeltz, struggled to find himself in the game against Spain’s unbreakable defensive walls.
But in spite of New Zealand and Iraq’s first showings in the Confederations Cup, there is not much to give or to take from them.
South Africa v New Zealand Confederations Cup Match Preview
Joel Santana’s relatively young squad faces the Oceania champions after opening the tournament against Iraq.
Considering the home support factor and the technical ability of the players, the South Africans are poised to get at least a point from this encounter.
Despite New Zealand’s 5-0 defeat against Spain last Sunday, South Africa are ready to take on this game seriously. The Bafana have categorically put complacency out of range. Rubin Kazan’s MacBeth Sibaya emphasized the team’s will to perform well against the so-called underdogs.
New Zealand v Spain Confederations Cup Match Preview
The Euro 2008 titleholders - who are tipped as favorites to win the competition – are expected to qualify comfortably from their group which excludes the likes of big guns such as Brazil or Italy.
However, things may not be as easy as anticipated by football pundits…
These two La Roja stars will categorically miss the entire Confederation Cup tournament due to bad injuries that are believed to keep them out for several weeks.
New Zealand Team Bio and Analysis
New Zealand participate in this year's Confederations Cup for another time, portrayed as the team with the least chances to do any harm. However, their underdog status could cause some surprise, as the All Whites are still very much in a developing phase in football.
New Zealand don't have a lot to celebrate when it comes to World Cup history. The All Whites were there only once; that was in 1982. Three defeats on the trot - certainly due to the country's lack of knowledge and quality in football - are New Zealand's only memories from a disastrous and miserable World Cup campaign 27 years ago.