Slovakia Begins With the All Whites

June 14th, 2010 | by: Neil |

Slovakia’s first ever World Cup match comes against one of the lowest-ranked teams at the tournament, New Zealand’s All Whites. The schedule has certainly been kind to the Slovaks, as Italy and Paraguay drew 1-1 leaving Hamsik and friends the chance to take top spot in their group for a few days.

Manager Vladimir Weiss said Slovakia’s chances of progressing depend on a win against New Zealand, which is kind of stating the obvious.

Here is the expected 4-4-2 starting lineup for Slovakia:

Mucha – Pekarik, Durica, Skrtel, Cech – Weiss, Strba, Hamsik, Stoch – Sestak, Vittek

Skrtel and Stoch are doubts with injuries (ankle and knee respectively) but both should play.

Or, Slovakia could lineup in a 4-2-3-1 as zonal marking predicts.

If this is the case, Vittek would be left out in favor of Kozak or another midfielder. I really love zonal marking’s articles, and this one is spot on – Weiss and Stoch can give the opposing team’s defence problems with their speed and creativity on the wings. With Hamsik getting forward, it would form a trio of strong attacking players that are running at defences from a three quarters position, or in between midfield and the striker(s).

I’m expecting Slovakia to do plenty of attacking, as they will not be content with the starting 0-0 scoreline as they might against Paraguay or Italy.

What are your thoughts on the game? Please use the comments section below to share your ideas about Slovakia’s chances. I don’t like making predictions, but in case anyone asks I think Slovakia can pull out a 2-1 win.

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Serenrae

Sorry to say perhaps you had better “state the obvious” more clearly. You forgot to tell the All Whites or their four million fans that they didn't have a chance!
Neil

Serenrae, I never implied that New Zealand didn't have a chance. I wrote that they're one of the lowest ranked teams at the tournament, which is true.

I also wrote that Slovakia would do plenty of attacking, which isn't far off – Slovakia had 10 corners to New Zealand's 3, although both teams had only 2 shots on goal.

Finally, I predicted a one goal Slovakia win, while other sites had Slovakia winning by two or three goals. If that doesn't show you that I take New Zealand seriously, I don't know what will.

Slovakia did have a one goal lead for about 40 minutes, but credit to the All Whites for never giving up and earning a draw before the final whistle. Good luck to the Kiwis the rest of the way – maybe they can do better against Italy and Paraguay.