Slovakia Fall 2-0 to Paraguay: Can Repre Progress??

June 20th, 2010 | by: Paul | Comments Off

Today, Slovakia fell 2-0 to Paraguay. We know the scoreline, and I’m sure many of you saw the match (if not, video highlights are linked below), so I’ll keep my recap short.

Once again, Slovakia were rather toothless and, as in the New Zealand game, started off the game very slowly. As in the previous game, Marek Hamsik was shut down and had a poorer game than he did against New Zealand. Slovakia’s attackers managed only 6 shots (1 on goal), compared to Paraguay’s 11 shots (5 on goal). Paraguay’s physicality and attacking mentality proved too much for the Slovakia defense, and the Fighting Jondas have paid the price in the end. Vladimir Weiss and Jan Mucha, once again, were the only Slovaks who looked up for the game and that one can say genuinely played well.

Slovakia managed 52% possession, but without any sort of creativity and drive, it counted for little. This is further indication of Hamsik’s uselessness as of now.

Video Highlights

Still, however, hope remains alive.

New Zealand surprised everyone (once again) and managed a 1-1 draw with Italy. As of now, Paraguay is in first place with 4 points, Italy and New Zealand tied at second with 2 points, and Slovakia at the bottom with just one point. ANY of these teams, then, have a chance to advance after the final Group F matches on June 24.

Paraguay plays New Zealand on that day. While New Zealand have been impressive, Paraguay are the only team in the group who look truly on top of their game. I expect Paraguay to easily win this game and come out on top of the group with seven points.

The second spot, then, will likely be contested between Italy and Slovakia. Neither team has impressed, however, I believe Slovakia may actually wake up, and, to be honest, Slovakia’s attack looks better on paper to me than that of the Italians. Of course, the Slovaks will have to contend with a great defense- but it is a defense that is weakened by the absence of Gianluigi Buffon in goal. I am feeling the upset in this game, but we’ll probably know within the first 15 minutes if that is possible. If Slovakia don’t start well, the end result of this game will be similar to the past two. A draw will see Slovakia finish in last place in the group, a win could very well see them through to the next round with, barring a New Zealand upset.

Do you believe in miracles? I do.