Group F – New Zealand Analysis

As the likely bottom team in Group F for the 2010 World Cup, New Zealand has their work cut out for them against teams like Italy and Paraguay. Even the paired outside bet Slovakia has the potential to shut down New Zealand during the matches within Group F. Of more concern for the New Zealand team is the fact that they are yet to post a single point during any World Cup. Most analysts are predicting that New Zealand will not be able to advance to the top 16.

The favorites to win Group F are Italy and Paraguay who will go up against each other in the opening match of Group F 2010 World Cup play. Ladbrokes is currently listing the odds of New Zealand winning the 2010 World Cup as 1001.00 along with Korea DPR and Honduras. The opening match for New Zealand for Group F will be a June 15th game against Slovakia.

Bet365.com is currently offering odds for the New Zealand/Slovakia game at 7.50 for New Zealand to win, 4.10 for the two teams to tie and 1.45 for Slovakia to win. Similarly, Bodog is offering odds of 6.00 for a New Zealand victory and -1.00 for a Slovakian win. Odds listed on Bodog that the two teams will tie are currently at 4.00.

New Zealand – Beyond Group F

It is unlikely that New Zealand will progress beyond Group F as they are up against a poor World Cup record and this year’s stats suggest no differently. Should they upset Slovakia during their first game, they have an even higher mountain to climb with a match against one of the group’s favorites. Although there is little hope for qualification in the final 16, New Zealand has nothing to lose and a bet on them against Slovakia could be a good route to take.

Results of New Zealand’s Qualifying Stages:

10/17/07 – Fiji – 0:2 – New Zealand
11/17/07 – Vanuatu – 1:2 – New Zealand
11/21/07 – New Zealand – 4:1 – Vanuatu
09/06/08 – New Caledonia – 1:3 – New Zealand
09/10/08 – New Zealand – 3:0 – New Caledonia
11/19/08 – New Zealand – 0:2 – Fiji
10/10/09 – Bahrain – 0:0 – New Zealand
11/14/09 – New Zealand – 1:0 – Bahrain

The New Zealand Team

The most important player to watch during the 2010 World Cup is Ryan Nelsen. However, the forwards Shane Smeltz and Chris Killen are capable of posting strong numbers and could be an asset, especially during the opening game against Slovakia. The head coach Ricki Herbert and Assistant Coach Brian Turner are looking to post some strong numbers in Group F.

New Zealand World Cup History

New Zealand has only qualified for one previous World Cup in 1982. This was as a result of a sudden death game against the other team tied for the qualification spot, China. After qualifying, New Zealand went on to play 3 games during the tournament but lost all three. The first two games against Brazil and the Soviet Union were both shutouts. The third game against Scotland saw New Zealand’s first goals in the tournament (2) but they were overcome by 5 Scottish goals to be eliminated from the World Cup.

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