The 2010 World Cup countdown is nearing the final stages as the tournament kick off in less than a month, and with all eyes looking to South Africa to provide a thrilling tournament, anticipation is certainly rising.
Currently at SportsBet there are head-to-head markets for each group game set to take place at the upcoming tournament, available for any punter who just cannot wait to get in on the action.
Despite there still being other factors to take into consideration prior to the kick-off, such a injuries or the revealing of squads – the odds will provide some fantastic payouts.
Not only are there standard markets, but also specials including the top goal scorer, the nation to go the furthest in the tournament from each confederation and many more!
Group F is shaping up to show some great displays of footy, with returning champions Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia battling it out to progress to the next round.
Below is an outline of all the Group F matches making up the group stage of the 2010 World Cup.
Italy V Paraguay
On the 14th of June, Group F fixtures will kick off at the Green Point Stadium, when Italy and Paraguay start at 8.30pm.
The Italians are heading to South Africa to defend their World Championship crown, which they secured in Germany in 2006 and have won a total of four times in 16 appearances at the tournament.
In contrast, the South Americans have never won the title, and are embarking on their eighth campaign of glory.
The duo have met twice before, with the Europeans walking away victorious both times, however the two are most likely fighting for the top spot in the group – which makes this a crunch match.
At this point, the current world champions are dominating the odds at $1.83, while Paraguay will not be surprised to be the underdogs at $4.33.
New Zealand V Slovakia
New Zealand and Slovakia will debut at the 2010 World Cup on the 15th of June, when they take to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium at 1.30pm.
The central Europeans are travelling to South Africa to embark on their ninth campaign, while the All Whites are heading into their second ever world cup tournament – the first since 1982.
The duo has never met before in international tournament, however New Zealand are heading into the tournament as one of the least experienced nations on the international stage, and certainly have a lot to prove to the world.
Slovakia are realistically looking for a second spot finish in the group, so will hope to claim the points from this game relatively easily, although with the New Zealanders having nothing to lose, may provide more of a challenge than initially thought.
It is more than likely that this will be a one way affair, however opening matches can often be surprising as teams are still coming together and therefore New Zealand could have the potential to be a big payout at $7.50, while Slovakia are determined favourites at $1.44.
Slovakia V Paraguay
At the Free State Stadium on the 20th of June, Slovakia and Paraguay face each other in what could be the most crucial match of the Group at 1.30pm.
With the defending world cup champions in the group, it is reasonable to believe they will top the group fairly easily, which leaves these two most likely to finish second.
The nations have never met before, and neither come into the tournament on notably good form as the Europeans have lost two of their last three fixtures, while Paraguay have managed just one win from three.
The South Americans may have had their strongest qualification campaign to date – but having started their tournament against the Italians may be deflated from a sore loss when they roll around to play Slovakia.
In contrast, the Europeans will more than likely have got one win in the 2010 World Cup under their belt and therefore head into this fixture in a healthier mental state.
In what will be a passionate affair, Paraguay are heading into the game at this early stage as favourites at $1.91, while Slovakia are at $3.60.
Italy V New Zealand
At 4pm on the 20th of June, the Mbombela Stadium will see Italy take on New Zealand for their Round F second fixture.
The two have met just once before, with the Italians coming away 4-3 winners last June – which will give the All Whites a boost coming into the tournament, proving they can score against the defending champions despite it being a friendly.
The Europeans have not ‘wowed’ as of late, with just one win from their last three matches, which saw them draw with the Netherlands and Cameroon.
New Zealand have three friendlies to play before the tournament kicks off, which they will use to iron out any kinks among the team, and find their strongest starting line up.
This match however, could well be the highest goal difference fixture in the group stages, and the All Whites will not be surprised to go into the fixture as outsiders at $15, while Italy are at $1.14.
Slovakia V Italy
On the 24th of June at 4pm, the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg will host Slovakia and Italy for their final group match fixture.
The duo has met 27 times before in international events, with Italy claiming ten wins, Slovakia two and nine draws – leaving little between them in the stats.
At this point in the tournament, the group will have found shape, and will most likely see Italy at the top having found the solid form they are so well known for – which will certainly be a disadvantage for the Slovakians.
However, if they have managed to win their opening two fixtures, the Slovaks’ confidence will be sky high, which will push them in the right direction.
Both sides have two friendlies before the tournament kicks off which will stand them both in good stead as they expose themselves to varying styles of soccer.
It is no surprise to see the defending champions head into the game as favourites at $1.57, while Slovakia are outsiders at $5.50.
Paraguay V New Zealand
Rounding off the Group F fixtures, the Peter Mokaba Stadium will see Paraguay play New Zealand at 4pm on the 20th of June.
The teams have played once before, with the South Americans claiming a 3-2 win, although this was a friendly back in 1995.
Paraguay still have three friendlies to play before the tournament gets going, with each three a strong soccer nation which play various styles of the sport – a certain advantage to the team.
New Zealand have recently lost to Mexico who play a similar style of soccer than the Paraguayans which will give the All Whites food for thought.
The South Americans are currently heading into the fixture as favourites at $1.36, while New Zealand are at $8.
2010 World Cup Group F Matches
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 11 | 14.06.10 | Italy V Paraguay | Green Point Stadium, Cape Town | 20.30 | 04.30 (15.06.10) |
| 12 | 15.06.10 | New Zealand V Slovakia | Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg | 13.30 | 21.30 |
| 27 | 20.06.10 | Slovakia V Paraguay | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | 13.30 | 21.30 |
| 28 | 20.06.10 | Italy V New Zealand | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit | 16.00 | 00.00 (21.06.10) |
| 41 | 24.06.10 | Slovakia V Italy | Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg | 16.00 | 00.00 (25.06.10) |
| 42 | 24.06.10 | Paraguay V New Zealand | Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane | 16.00 | 00.00 (25.06.10) |
