Slovakia v Paraguay: match preview

Group F
Slovakia v Paraguay
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: Sun June 20, 12.30pm BST

The first two games in Group F have ended in 1-1 draws, so something has to give with Slovakia and Paraguay given the chance to top the group before Italy face New Zealand.
That Paraguay held the champions will give great strength to La Albirroja who may consider using Roque Santa Cruz from the start.
But if he features he must get past the brick wall that is Liverpool’s uncompromising central defender Martin Skrtel.



Touchline duel
Vladimír Weiss v Gerardo Martino: Weiss, at 45, is the youngest coach at the World Cup but was furious that his side allowed the minnows of New Zealand to steal a point.
Now he must encourage his players against a talented Paraguay and their Argentine leader, who is only two years older. That he inspired his players to a draw against Italy says it all.
Talking tactics
Key clash
Robert Vittek v Justo Villar: Vittek scored Slovakia's first ever goal at a World Cup finals, against New Zealand, and will be determined to help improve on the performance against the All Whites.
But to do so he must get past Justo Villar, the experienced 32 year-old goalkeeper.
What they say
Vladimír Weiss: "The fact that we came so close to winning (against New Zealand) is very encouraging. But we will have to do our level best to prevent the same thing from happening again."
Gerardo Martino: "I don't think we need to win our next two games. Draws may be sufficient to progress. However, this does not mean that we will be going out to get draws in our next two games."
Teams
Slovakia (4-4-2): Mucha; Zabavnik, Skrtel, Durica, Cech; Strba, Weiss, Hamsik, Jendrisek; Vittek, Sestak
Paraguay (4-1-3-2): Villar; Bonet, Alcaraz, Da Silva, Morel; V Cacares; Vera, Riveros, Torres; Barrios, Haedo Valdez
Referee: TBC.
Previous meetings
None
Fact: Paraguay are three goals short of conceding 40 in the finals in what is their 24th game.
Prediction: All square in the group so far and little to suggest anything but another draw.