Netherlands - Slovakia

Match 53 - Round of 16 - 28 June

The Netherlands have a dismal record against Slovakia. Of their 9 encounters they only won 2. But you cannot compare the present Dutch team with the past. Slovakia will try to destabilize the Dutch attacks, but in the end it will prove too little, too late.

Our prediction : Netherlands 2 - Slovakia 1

Slovakia - Italy

Match 41 - Group F - 24 June

This is the last chance for Slovakia. They need to win to be sure of progressing to the next round. Italy however probably have enough with a draw.

Our prediction is that it will be close, but in the end the intrinsic value of the Italian players will see them through

Our prediction : Slovakia 1 - Italy 2

Slovakia - Paraguay

The first game of both teams were not very spectacular. Paraguay showed they are good at defending (minus their goal keeper) and that they are not afraid to draw blood (especially the enemy's blood) and Slovakia must be kicking themselves for letting New Zealand come back in the game. They should have been kicking the ball instead!

The whole group is still wide open, and a draw would suit these teams well. I think that is what we will see, and probably one or two red cards for the Paraguayans.

Our prediction : Slovakia 1 - Paraguay 1

Match 27 - Group F - 20 June

New Zealand get back in the 93rd minute!

Oh dear, we won't eat kiwis tonight...because New Zealand did the impossible and came back from 0-1 down against the Slovakians. With their one and only chance they scored, thus bringing Group F in complete balance.

New Zealand - Slovakia

Match 12 - Group F - 15 June

Do you know the game "The Weakest Link"? Where competitors have to eliminate other participants because they are the weakest? Well, today's game in Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng Stadium is a clear case of The Weakest Link. In a group with Italy and Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia are least likely to progress to the next round. And today's game will probably reflect this.

Our prediction is New Zealand 1 - Slovakia 2 , but to be fair: it could just be the other way round.