World Cup 2010 Analysis: 6/20-21

Group F (Second One):
 - Paraguay: South American teams are still undefeated through 10 matches and Paraguay have looked the class on this group. Another victory seems assured against New Zealand and they could be a good team to surprise a few sides in the knockout rounds.
 - Italy: Like France and England, Italy are playing dangerously close to an early elimination. They have fallen behind early in both matches and cannot do the same against Slovakia as they would sit in defensive for hope of advancing. Either way the Italians lack the attack and speed to advance far.
 - New Zealand: The Kiwis came off of their first World Cup point with their first World Cup lead - against the world champions Italy. While they haven't been dominate in either match they have been opportunistic. Another draw could see them as the surprise team in the final 16 - against the Dutch though. Despite the final match New Zealand have to be happy to have shown they deserve to be at the finals after coming from a weak qualification group (Oceanic).
 - Slovakia: Normally a B-tier European team sitting in last place after two matches and facing the world champions is not a place many teams would want to be. But Slovakia have the skill to beat Italy and jump into the 2nd spot in Group F. Will likely put the pressure on the Italians. Hamsik and Weiss need to step up and show they are future European stars.

Group G (Second Match):
 - Brazil: Another samba victory as Brazil have clinched a spot in the final 16 heading into a skill showdown against Portugal. Even though the Kaka red card was soft I was disappointed to see Brazil make the most of so many fouls throughout the game. A team with this much skill should not have to delve into the 'dark arts' of soccer.
 - Portugal: For most of the build up leading into this tournament I think people forgot that Portugal was ranked #3 in the world. Overshadowed by the bigger teams of the world and disappointing in their first match it looked like they would not live up to that ranking. Ronaldo and crew are now set up for a great group winning match-up against #1 in the world Brazil.
 - Ivory Coast: It was great to see Drogba start and I'll admit I was sad to see another African side fall. The game got really rough by the end as Brazil seemed to keep the pressure on after the victory was assured. The Ivory Coast have a tough hill to climb to get back into 2nd place - they must overcome a 9 goal differential with Portugal. Either way hopefully Drogba can shine for the African teams.
 - North Korea: It looked as though the mysterious North Korean side we about to continue their great defensive run....and then Portugal scored 7 goals. North Korea seemed to quit by late in the second half and it will be interesting to see how they come out against Ivory Coast who will need to put up a lot of goals.

Group H (Second Match):
 - Chile: Chile plays a very attractive and entertaining brand of soccer and have put forth two great 1-0 victories. Sitting a top the group on 6 points is a great position, but they must take on a Spanish side who will enter the game possibly needing a victory. Should make for great entertainment for Friday afternoon.
 - Spain: Now there is the Spain we all know and enjoy to watch. The 2-0 result should have easily been 4 or 5 to 0, but Spain are back in form and can still finish top of Group H despite the shocking loss to the Swiss. Either way they will likely face Brazil or Portugal in the round of 16.
 - Switzerland: Another soft (and probably unwarranted) red card which altered this match. Despite the loss the Swiss are still in a good spot to advance with a win over Honduras and a Spain victory over Chile, which could happen. Switzerland however did take home an impressive World Cup record - longest streak (in minutes) of not letting in a goal - 551 minutes.
 - Honduras: As expected Honduras has been one of the weaker sides at the 2010 World Cup - they've managed only 1 shot on goal in their first two matches. While not technically eliminated their new goal should be to represent well for the CONCACAF region.