We continue our review of the World Cup 2014 groups with a look at Group B, which of course contains Australia. In the weeks leading up to the World Cup draw everyone was trying to come up with every possible scenario for the Socceroos. No one could predict though that the worst case scenario would come true. Australia was drawn along side Spain, Netherlands and Chile.
Coach: Vicente Del Bosque
Star Player: Andres Iniesta
Tournament Best: Winners 2010
How they qualified: 1st in UEFA Group I
Pressure will be on Spain to go back to back, something that has not been done since 1962. Can they do it? I believe they can but will need to perform as well, if not better, than in 2010. Spain still have a star studded team and their unique style of possession football is still very effective. However, they will need to get off to a good start and hit the ground running in a tough group where any slip up will send them packing. In 2010 they lost their opening group match, this time around they can't allow this to happen if they want to go all the way.
The main factor against them will be history, if they are to become back to back champions they will do so by becoming the first European team to win the World Cup outside of Europe, a tough ask. The core players in the team are nearing the end of their careers and might have lost some pace since 2010 but their midfield is still the envy of every other nation.
Netherlands
Coach: Louis van Gaal
Star Player: Robin van Persie
Tournament Best: Runners-up 1974, 1978, 2010
How they qualified: 1st in UEFA Group D
The Netherlands will be highly motivated to avenge their 2010 World Cup final loss and have an incredibly talented side that could see them go deep into the latter stages of the tournament. In the last World Cup they were very temperamental. This time around they will be more composed and experienced, qualities that are crucial to win tournaments like the World Cup. However, I can't see them make the final again especially as this World Cup is being played in South America.
Robin van Persie will be looking at leading the line and bagging more than a handful of goals. Euro 2012 was a disaster for the dutch and in this tough group they will need to have a strong and fast start. They need to make sure they don't underestimate any of the other teams and focus on playing their game.
Chile
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli
Star Player: Alexis Sanchez
Tournament Best: Third 1962
How they qualified: 3rd in CONMEBOL qualifying group
Chile were highly entertaining in 2010 and they have continued to grow in the past few years. Some very impressive performances in recent times will fill them with confidence heading into Brazil 2014. Their squad is well balanced with a mix of experience and youth while their star player, Alexis Sanchez, has been in great form for Barcelona this season. The fact that this World Cup is in South America will be very favorable for them as they will have great support.
This is a tough group though and if they want to get through to the knockout stage they will need to remain extremely focused throughout all three matches. The attacking nature of their play might leave them open at the back and their biggest challenge will be to contain the Dutch and Spanish's very formidable attack.
Australia
Coach: Ange Postecoglou
Star Player: Tim Cahill
Tournament Best: Second Round 2006
How they qualified: 2nd in AFC Fourth Round Group B
Qualifying out of this group would be truly remarkable for Australia, one of the unluckiest nations in terms of the draw. Their opponents might underestimate them, which will play right into their hands as new coach Ange Postecoglou has the team playing a more attractive and effective brand of football. However, the limited time that the new coach will have with the team heading into Brazil 2014 will hurt them.
Australia's biggest challenge will definitely be keeping their focus, discipline and structure throughout the three group matches. A number of recent injuries, most notably to Robbie Kruse, will really affect their ability to make an impact in the tournament but with a "nothing to lose" attitude and a more free flowing game the Socceroos might come up with a few surprises.
My Group B Prediction:
1. Netherlands (7 pts)
2. Chile (6 pts)
3. Spain (4 pts)
4. Australia (0 pts)
