Italy:
Games: vs. Paraguay (June 14, Green Point, Cape Town); vs. New Zealand (June 20, Mbombela, Nelspruit); vs. Slovakia (June 24, Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

How they qualified: Italy found themselves in a relatively easy European qualifying group. Finishing 7-0-3, they were only really challenged by runners-up Ireland. After tying them in their first match, Italy needed a last minute goal by Alberto Gilardino to tie for a second time and secure their birth in South Africa next summer.

World Cup History: Winners of four World Cup championships, and most recently in Germany 2006, Italy is one of the most prosperous nations in the history of international soccer. Having qualified for the previous twelve World Cups, they have advanced from group play in all but four of their 16 appearances. Their rich history includes the likes of legends Giuseppe Meazza in the 1930s and more recently Robert Baggio and his infamous missed penalty kick in the 1994 finals.

Player to Watch: Andrea Pirlo does not capture the attention of fans with his flashy play. There is no denying, however, his prowess in the middle of the soccer field. Not always fleet of foot, Pirlo, who plays for AC Milan of Italian Serie A, is one of the most accurate passers in the world. To call him a steadying force in the midfield, seems like an understatement, but that is exactly what he is. A fixture for the 2006 World Cup champions, expect him to maintain a steady offensive flow for La Azurri in South Africa next summer.

Prediction: 3-0, lose to Spain in the quarterfinals

Paraguay:
Games: vs. Italy (June 14, Green Point, Cape Town); vs. Slovakia (June 20, Free State, Mangaung/Bloemfontein); vs. New Zealand (June 24, Peter Mokaba, Polokwane)

How they qualified: Qualifying out of South America is never an easy task. Paraguay finished third in qualifying behind Brazil and Chile. They had excellent victories over Brazil and Argentina which assured their spot in the World Cup. Without any missteps, they qualified with two games left to play.

World Cup History: Paraguay has qualified for the last four World Cups and has advanced from group play every time. Unfortunately, they have failed to advance past the round of 16, losing to finalists France and Germany in 1998 and 2002. Having made their mark as one of the top teams in South America, Paraguay looks to succeed at the the international level this summer.

Player to Watch: Salvador Cabanas plays for America of the Spanish First Division. Having never played in Europe, he is a relatively unknown goal-scorer around the world. With a fierce shot, and the strength to maintain possession, Cabanas is a great asset to the Paraguayan national team. He led the team with six goals throughout all of qualifying.

Prediction: 1-1-1; lose to Denmark in round of 16

New Zealand:
Games: vs. Slovakia (June 15, Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg); vs. Italy (June 20, Mbombela, Nelspruit); vs. Paraguay (June 24, Peter Mokaba, Polokwane)

How they qualified: New Zealand easily went 5-1 in the final round of qualifying for Oceania's one playoff spot with Asia's 5th place team. New Zealand was able to eek out a nil-nil tie in Bahrain, in the first game of the two games series. They came home to beat Bahrain 1-0 and qualify for the World Cup next summer.

World Cup History: New Zealand has only once previously qualified for the World Cup. In 1982 they managed to score only two goals while giving up 12, and finished 0-3.

Player to Watch: Shane Smetlz managed to score eight of New Zealand's 14 goals throughout qualifying. He currently plays for Gold Coast United of Australian A-League. He has scored 15 goals in 16 games so far this season. Born in Germany, and a streaky scorer, Smetlz can find the back of the net in numerous fashions. He plays with a confidence that he will need for his team to do any damage in South Africa next summer. A good performance could lead to looks from European clubs next year.

Prediction: 0-3, do not advance from group play

Slovakia:
Games: vs. New Zealand (June 15, Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg); vs. Paraguay (June 20, Free State, Mangaung/Bloemfontein); vs. Italy (June 24, Ellis Park, Johannesburg)

How they qualified: In group three of European qualifying, Slovakia overcame Slovenia and a disappointing Czech Republic to win the group and solidify their spot in South Africa next summer. A win on the road against Czech Republic, and their final win in Poland were enough to overcome two losses to second place Slovenia, who faltered near the end of qualifying.

World Cup History: This will be Slovakia's first World Cup appearance since 1990. They have qualified eight other times a Czechoslovakia, including two finishes as runners-up in 1934 and 1962. In their previous World Cup appearance in 1990 they reached the quarterfinals before losing. This will be their first appearance as an independent nation.

Player to Watch: 22 year old Marek Hamsik was a standout in the midfield throughout qualifying. Currently playing for Napoli of Italian Serie A, he has scored 8 goals in 17 games so far this season. Gradually becoming one for the best young attacking midfielders in the world, Hamsik simply has a knack for the game of soccer. He is a facilitator and a creator with strong physical abilities. He has the anticipation of a great midfielder and has a nose for finding the back of the net. In order for the Slovaks to advance they will need an outstanding performance from Hamsik, much like he displayed in qualifying.

Prediction: 1-1-1, do not advance from group play