The first timer on the world cup Slovakia will play their final game with the current World Cup champion Italy.
After almost winning the first game the Slovaks can only blame themselves. They were winning against New Zealand until the 93rd minute where they got equalized.
They might have felt pretty disappointed after that and logically lost against the brilliant team of Paraguay who’s currently taking the first spot.
What was considered an easy group for the Italians has turned out to be a nightmare. The team is tied to the 2nd place with New Zealand with 2 points and the same goal difference of 2:2.
Slovakia with only 1pt in the group needs a victory here in order to qualify. Italy on the other hand to be 100% certain that they will qualify needs a victory, but there’s a scenario where they might be able to as well if they draw the game, and wait for the outcome of the other one.
However it would be an embarrassment for the current cup holder, if they have to depend on another game and not finish the job themselves.
What to expect from this game?
Hard to say and predict. As much as I would like to say that Italy will dominate the game as the clear favorite here, I am afraid their disappointing performance in the first two games has its impact. In fact I think that if this continues this might be the second big European team after France, that will go home before the elimination rounds.
However let’s not forget that the Italians usually have troubles in the groups , but then do strong in the elimination rounds, and in fact this is how they won back in 2006.
I am expecting a hard game for both teams, with each trying to win it. The key here will be which team will hold the pressure better and which defense would make less mistakes.
The betting verdict?
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.70 (Bet365.com): Both teams have been lacking with the ability to score goals in the past two games. Both teams seem to have put up a strong defense, thus I am expecting very few goals here.
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