The Captain: Ryan Nelson

The physically bold leader from the back, Nelson is a rock in the heart of New Zealand’s defence. His performances for Blackburn in the Premier League convey that he is a strong, hard defender who can really command from the back.

The X-Factor: Shane Smeltz

Little-known to the rest of the World, Smeltz has plenty of talent to win himself a lucrative overseas contract with a good showing in South Africa. He can almost run the show himself, and knowing many of the players from his Wellington days, Smeltz could be wonderful for the All Whites.

The Flaw: Goals

Besides Smeltz, New Zealand really have no other real lead to goal. Rory Fallon has stepped it up recently but nothing to strike chills into opponents. If Smeltz does get injured, the fear will be that New Zealand will have very limited options up front.

The Verdict: Group Stage

The fact New Zealand are valued at $751 to win the Cup conveys their underdog status. Somewhat like Australia in 2006, New Zealand’s performances of late suggest that they might be able to surprise some teams in South Africa. Whether that is good enough to make the second round is debatable.

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SLOVAKIA

Formation: 4-2-3-1

TAB Sportsbet: $201

The Coach: Vladimir Weiss

He will be the youngest coach at the Cup at 45, how flattering! He is incredibly popular though and his ability to get the best out of players who have never been first-team regulars at their clubs has won him the respect of a nation.

The Captain + X-Factor: Marek Hamsik

Not many people get to captain their country at the World Cup at 22, but that’s just what Hamsik will be doing in South Africa. His maturity at that age rivals one Cesc Fabregas, the midfield maestro possessing silky skills that have turned him into the poster boy of Slovakian football. Already playing with Napoli, if this young man can have a great tournament, which is well within his ability, not only will his value soar, but come next season he could be playing at a club that his talent deserves.

The Flaw: Match Fitness

This is one of the best Slovakian squads that has been seen in decades, however the fact is that not many of them play regularly for their clubs. This means that a lot of the players will be struggling for match fitness come the Cup. If they’re not 100% ready for the demands of international football, they could struggle.

The Verdict: Group Stage

Probably the best chance Slovakia have had at the Cup in recent times and they have a realistic chance of getting out of the group.  It might come down to their final clash with Paraguay and one fears if Hamsik doesn’t have a great tournament they might drop their heads.