In the second game in
group F of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, New Zealand faces Slovakia. While the majority gives the New Zealanders only an outside chance on the promotion, Slovakia could lay the foundation with an opening win for the last sixteen.
In contrast to Slovakia in the squad of the "Kiwis" stay few legionaries, who earn their money in Europe. Noteworthy are Defender
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn) and striker
Chris Killen (Middlesbrough). Slovakian coach Vladimir Weiss relies on a sworn force, where playmaker
Marek Hamsik (Napoli) is taking a significant role in central midfield.
Group F: New Zealand - Slovakia
Date: 15 June 2010, 13:30 CET
Stadium: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Referee: Jerome Damon (South Africa)
New Zealand:Keeper: Mark Paston
Defenders: Tony Lochhead, Ben Sigmund, Ryan Nelsen, Tommy Smith
Midfielders: Leo Bertos, Michael McGlinchey, Tim Brown, Simon Elliott
Forwards: Chris Killen, Rory Fallon
Coach: Ricki Herbert
Injured:
Booked:
Slovakia:Keeper: Jan Mucha
Defenders: Peter Pekarik, Martin Skrtel, Jan Durica, Marek Cech
Midfielders: Vladimír Weiss, Kamil Kopúnek, Marek Hamsík, Miroslav Stoch
Forwards: Stanislav Sesták, Filip Holosko
Coach: Vladimír Weiss
Injured:
Booked:
The New Zealanders have achieved their main aim with the qualification for the World Cup. The Slovaks expect some opportunities for the promotion in the next round, as the group seems near balanced. The match is called by referee Jerome Damon from South Africa.
New Zealand and Slovakia will meet for the first time in their national team history.
Despite the attractive performance of the Kiwis in the test match against Serbia, I think that Slovakia has a stronger team. So I expect a win for the Europeans.
The best odds to this game you find at
Bet365, Bwin and Expekt.
