Our latest installment of the World Cup preview looks at Group B. The group features Spain, winner of the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championships. The 2010 Runners-up Netherlands will also be a tough team this year while Chile and Australia close out what could be a group ripe for upsets.
Team Breakdown
Spain: La Furia Roja have been one of the most dominant teams in international soccer of the past 6 years, winning three of the biggest tournaments over that period of time. Spain certainly have the skill to win in Brazil this year, but their age might finally catch up with them in the heat and humidity. The midfield trio of Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Xabi Alonso are all on the wrong side of 30, but still have the skill to dominate a match.Spain's striker remain a big question mark. Diego Costa is a possibility but the striker missed the last 80 minutes of the Champions League Final with a hamstring injury. If Costa is fit, the Brazilian-born forward is likely to face a lot of heat from the home fans for choosing Spain over Brazil. If Fernando Torres ever decides to start scoring again, he could make an impact as well. Iker Casillas leads a strong back line that hasn't conceded a knock-out stage goal since the 2006 World Cup. While the experience of the Netherlands and the climate of Brazil may give them trouble, Spain should have no problem moving on to the next round.
Netherlands: Many of the familiar faces that we expect from the Oranje won't be heading to Brazil this summer. The Netherlands will rely heavily on Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, and Wesley Sneijder to create and finish most of their opportunities. These players have the experience and skill to turn a match in the Netherlands' favor. However, van Persie came off the field at halftime against Wales in a warmup match last night, raising concerns that he won't be fit enough, after having a year of injuries at Manchester United, to have an impact at the World Cup. Robben is known just as much for his diving as he is for cutting in to shoot with his lethal left foot. If a team can take those shots away, Robben becomes a lot less threatening. Sneijder has the ability to create and score goals, but will be 30 when the World Cup starts and he could show signs of aging. Ajax (pronounced I-yaks) goalie Jasper Cillessen will back stop the Dutch side in Brazil. Cillessen notched clean sheets in 14 of 25 games for Ajax this season, but my have trouble keeping Spain, Chile and Australia off of the score board. Both Spain and Chile have the players in midfield to dominate play and stifle the Oranje attack.
Chile: La Roja might be one of the more underrated teams in the 2014 World Cup. Chile has the best midfielder in the group, which is saying something for a group that includes the dynamic midfield of Spain. Arturo Vidal is one of the few box-to-box midfielders in the world game who can do it all. He can tackle, he can defend, he can pass, and most importantly, he can score. Alexis Sánchez, Eduardo Vargas, and Jorge Valdivia all provide speed and scoring touch that compliments Vidal's abilities quite well. Chile's prowess going forward may be matched by their ability to concede goals as well. While they may be able to hold Australia, they'll have a lot of difficulty keeping Spain and the Netherlands off of the score sheet. Chile's offensive fire power could be enough for them to upset either of the European giants and see them squeak through to the knock out stages.
Australia: The seals swimming in a sea of sharks. The Soccaroos(another awesome nickname) will have trouble getting a point, much less making it out of the group stage. After looking shaky in what should have been an easy qualifying campaign, Australia enters their third straight World Cup appearance led by forward Tim Cahill and midfielder Mile Jedinak. Cahill is one of the top players in the not-so-deep MLS. His ability to convert from set pieces will make him a factor. If Australia are able to hold a team to one or fewer goals, Cahill might be able to steal them a few points. Jedinak had a great season in England but is in over his head with the world class midfielders that round out the rest of Group B.
Players to watch
The Star: Andrés Iniesta
I really wanted to go with Vidal here but he doesn't have the star power that Iniesta does. Iniesta might be the best player on the best team in the tournament. For most of Spain's six year run on top of the world, Iniesta has played second fiddle to Xavi. However, Iniesta's pace and finishing ability now make him the main attraction for La Furia Roja. Not to mention the fact that Iniesta scored the most important goal in the history of Spanish soccer. If Spain are going to be the first team since 1962 to repeat as World Cup champions, Iniesta will lead the way.
The One to Watch: Arturo Vidal
As mentioned above, Vidal is a true box-to-box midfielder. His pace and work ethic enable him to be a factor in all three phases of a match. Vidal is able to make a tackle, make a pass, and get up field to make a big play for his team. Unlike many other players, he still has the stamina to get back into position after the play breaks down. Vidal's pace, power, and stamina might be enough for Chile to pull the upset and advance to the knockout stage
The Question Mark: Diego Costa
Costa exploded this year with Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian born striker chose to play for Spain and will likely here it from the local fans. Costa will be under a lot of pressure to perform both from the home fans and his team. Spain has been successful despite the lack of a bona fide striker as Fernando Torres and David Villa have struggled with poor form and injuries. Costa provides the opportunity to the defending world champions to once again play with a star striker. However, Costa has struggled with injuries the last few months. If he can regain his form and fitness then Spain will be a handful for any team.
Predicted Finish:
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Netherlands
4. Australia
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