2010 World Cup: Italy vs. Paraguay
By Ty Duffy
Paraguay is a tough team. They finished just one point behind Brazil in South American qualifying and had the second best defensive record. They allowed two goals to both Ireland and Ivory Coast during friendlies, but seemed to get things together against Greece.They should not be easy to breakdown. Nationalized Argentine Lucas Barrios will try to replace gunshot victim Salvador Cabanas’ goalscoring threat up front. The third top scorer in the Bundesliga last season, he probably will. This match could be boring. Italy must be favorites, but a draw would surprise no one.
Italy’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland was unimpressive, but perhaps a good omen. The last two times Italy drew with Switzerland 1-1 before a World Cup were 1982 and 2006. They won World Cups both times. [Photo via Icon]