Group F

Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia

I am invested in one team in this group: ITALIA! Now, I was not a loyal fan of them in 2006. Throughout the competition, there were moments when I wanted to root against them.  Cheap dives sent some of my backup teams out, but they did what no other team did.  THEY GOT RID OF FRANCE!!!  They were my backup heroes for 2006.  Once again, when France plays, I root for ABF (Anybody but France).  However, I grew to love ITALIA, well at least some of them.

My Heroes of the Azzuri

Gennaro Gattuso: "The Snarling Dog"
I can't say this enough; I love this guy.  He is one solid bulldozer.  He lacks grace.  He lacks skills.  One thing he doesn't lack  is heart.  This guy will run you over to get what he wants.  He won't stop.  This guy is a charging bull.  His biggest downfall is his temper.  If you ever decide to watch an Italian version of "Punked" you will realize you never NEVER want to mess with this guy.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgJxIdu4i7I  You will see him totally lose control at about 6:30.  Yikes.  Oh another downfall, he often loses his clothing when he is happy.  Let's hope he can refrain from that this year.

Gianluigi Buffon: The Joy of Italia

He is Italy's number one: the keeper, and in my opinion, he is the best keeper in the world.  He holds the record for the highest transfer fee and salary for a keeper in the world, EVER.    He is worth every penny.  What do I like about this guy?  He does his job well, and with style.  He has charisma.  He looks as if his cup is always overflowing with an innate joy for the game.  He makes you wish you were playing because it looks like it is so much fun.  He is constantly laughing and smiling throughout the games.  In 2006, he not only encouraged his own teammates, but consoled and encouraged his competition.  If I got to hang out with a footballer for a day, I think it would be this guy.  He is crazy fun.  I was so interested in soccer after 2006 that I watched a ton of foreign youtube videos of the players and read the translations.  I loved this one of Buffon and his teammate Totti.  I am no Totti fan, but I just thought that Buffon seemed like you could bet on having the time of your life, if you got to hang out with him.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKkVL5zph18  I got to watch him play while I was in England at Old Trafford a few summers ago.  He was really just a blip on the field from the seat I had, but I got to see him anyway.  Oh Buffon, I am glad you are back. 

Alessandro Del Piero:The Leader

I got to see this guy play at Old Trafford too for Juventus, my Italian team.  I thought he played with a fair balance of grace and heart.  He seemed to have a leadership role on the squad in 2006.  Most importantly, I had respect for the character of his play.  I saw no cheap moves from this guy.  He had class.  I was offended to see that they replaced him with the likes of Gilardino. Ugh, Gilardino.  At least Iaqunita and Pirlo are still there.   But Gilardino...Gross.  Well, at least I can still watch Del Piero in Serie A. 

I also came to despise some of their players, the cheap players. 

1.  Materazzi-uggghhh.  Racist Jerk. He totally deserved the head butt and so much more.
2.  Fabio Grosso-cheap diver. He gets no props from me.
3.  Gilardino-known for one of the worst acting bouts in soccer.  All you have to do is type worst dive ever, and this is what you will find.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W00d3yJKl4  Enjoy it.  It's a comedy.

What always warms my heart is the interaction of the Italian players with each other. Everytime they score, they act like they have just birthed a baby or something.  They should be smoking cigars on the benches.  They hug.  They kiss each other.  They jump onto each other in full body hugs.  They are not threatened in anyway by showing their man-love.  They are totally secure with themselves.  They walk around in some sort of euphoria everytime something goes their way.  Oh they have their great moments.  I am looking forward to things going their way.  God forbid it doesn't.  That is when things get ugly. 

New Zealand

You are by far the saddest underdogs of the tournament.  Do well.  Please.  My heart goes out to you fully.  You are the Bad News Bears.  I hope you get your day. 

Paraguay
MMMPFFFHHH.  Oh yes Paraguay, I am looking forward to watching you all play.  Mostly because I think Roque Santa Cruz is hot.  Ladies, I assure you; you will also.  I am not too sure that you will make it out of the group, but I do hope that you do.

Slovakia

I don't know much about this team at all.  I know Martin Skrtel, and he is a force to be reckoned with.  I am just afraid he doesn't have the backup to make it out. 

Predictions:
1.  Italy, no question
2.  Paraguay