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Group B - Australia, Chile, Holland and Spain


gillsminnow

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Group B

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Group B at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ will be heavily shaded with hues of South Africa 2010, the section kicking off with nothing less than a repeat of the title decider from four years ago. Reigning world champions Spain must thus tussle with 2010 runners-up the Netherland in a group in which Australia and Chile – the latter also having clashed with Vicente del Bosque’s men in the first round on African soil – will be hoping to upset the heavyweight European duo in the race for the Round of 16.

The teams

Spain open their title defence against two teams they defeated on the road to victory in South Africa, while their squad should feature many of the same key players that have enjoyed so much success since 2008. Providing a formidable obstacle to La Roja are a Dutch side that qualified for Brazil 2014 in impeccable style, spearheaded by 11-goal striker Robin Van Persie – without dispute a leading figure in Louis Van Gaal’s revamped Oranje.

Chile, for their part, finished third in South American Zone qualifying and go into the global showpiece endowed with a talented generation headed by Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez and Juventus’ Arturo Vidal. Embracing an attacking style of play, their current coach Jorge Sampaoli, who stepped in for Claudio Borghi in late 2012, has continued to build on the legacy left by Marcelo El Loco Bielsa.

Australia, for whom Brazil 2014 will be their fourth World Cup and third in a row, could prove a very hard-to-define quantity. A qualifying campaign packed with ups and downs, plus the arrival of new coach Ange Postecoglou means this is a genuine transitional phase for the Socceroos.

Players to watch

Xavi (ESP), Andres Iniesta (ESP), Xabi Alonso (ESP), Arjen Robben (NED), Robin Van Persie (NED), Arturo Vidal (CHI), Alexis Sanchez (CHI), Claudio Bravo (CHI), Tim Cahill (AUS), Lucas Neill (AUS).

The crunch match

Spain-Chile: This all-Spanish-speaking duel on the second matchday of Group B could end up shaping both sides’ tournament fortunes. The two Rojas’ meeting will be their fourth in just four years, following Spain’s 2-1 win at South Africa 2010 and two friendly games. And, given Chile grabbed a 2-2 draw in the pair’s most recent encounter, Sanchez and Co will feel confident of claiming a first ever victory over La Selección.

A look back

The Netherlands 0-1 (AET) Spain, 11 July 2010, Johannesburg

Fate has decreed that the two finalists from South Africa will meet again four years later in Brazil. Back then, only a solitary 116th-minute goal from Andres Iniesta could separate the two sides, handing La Roja their first ever World Cup win and denying the Dutch the Trophy in what was their third Final appearance.

Did you know?

Triumph at South Africa 2010 made Spain the eighth different nation to win the World Cup and the very first to do after beginning their bid with a defeat. Del Bosque’s charges were beaten 1-0 by Switzerland in their competition opener.

The stat

2 – In a group of familiar foes, there will also be two games that are ‘firsts’. Spain and Australia have never previously met at senior level, while the same can be said for Chile and the Netherlands.

Fixtures

13 June 2014

Spain v Netherlands, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 20:00 (BBC)

13 June 2014

Chile v Australia, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (ITV)

18 June 2014

Spain v Chile, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 20:00 (BBC)

18 June 2014

Australia v Netherlands, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00 (ITV)

23 June 2014

Australia v Spain, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 17:00 (ITV)

23 June 2014

Netherlands v Chile, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 17:00 (ITV)

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Australia

800px-Flag_of_Australia_(converted).svg.png

Location: Oceania

Status: UN Member Country

Capital City: Canberra

Main Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin

Population: 23,501,468

Area: 7,713,360 km2

Currency: 1 Australian dollar = 100 cents

Languages: English, Aboriginal languages

Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, others

National Anthem

[video=youtube_share;Dqtkckl6s5Y]

Kit

Australia-world-cup-kits.jpg

Prospects

Australia are the lowest ranked country to qualify, and the remit for new coach Ange Postecoglou is to bring through the youth. His predecessor Holger Osieck was sacked in October after back-to-back 6-0 defeats by Brazil and France, having been accused of staying too loyal to the Socceroos' ageing players.

Key player

Australia's player of the year and newly appointed captain, Mile Jedinak, will have to play a vital role as chief midfield protector if the Socceroos are to enjoy a fruitful World Cup. In the prime of his career, the Crystal Palace skipper can also play in defence.

Mile+Jedinak+Australia+v+Costa+Rica+ajMWDlXAXEbl.jpg

The boss

Ange Postecoglou stated "when your country calls, you answer" after signing a five-year deal. As a player, Greek-born Postecoglou won four Australia caps. He is a former national youth-team coach and led Brisbane Roar to two A-League titles. He has forged a reputation for starting and reviving numerous careers.

How they qualified

Now firmly established as an Asian Football Federation member, the Socceroos qualified automatically behind Japan but their passage to Brazil was not easy. Winless in their first three matches, they went unbeaten over the last five and secured their place seven minutes from time in the final game against Iraq.

World Cup record

They have reached their third successive finals, and their fourth in total. Under Guus Hiddink, they reached the last 16 in 2006 but lost in stoppage time to eventual winners Italy.

Fifa ranking: 59 (correct to 6 June)

Squad

Goalkeepers: Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge).

Defenders: Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng Taishan), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Bailey Wright (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic (Luzern), Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), James Holland (Austria Vienna), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Tommy Oar (Utrecht), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (Sion).

Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt 1899), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets).

Possible Starting 11 and Formation

1006237_Australia.jpg

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Chile

800px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png

Location: South America

Status: UN Member Country

Capital City: Santiago

Main Cities: Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, Concepción

Population: 14,026,000

Area: 756,950 km2

Currency: 1 Chilean peso = 100 centavos

Languages: Spanish

Religions: Roman Catholic

National Anthem

[video=youtube_share;f9IeLVWFOS0]

Kit

Chile-world-cup-kits.jpg

Prospects

New coach Jorge Sampaoli has brought a swagger back to Chile's football, combining aggressive pressing with a fluent passing game. Fun to watch, tough to play against, La Roja have the potential to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history - if their best 11 stay fit.

Key player

Lightning quick Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez, 25, hit a rich vein of goalscoring form for club and country over the course of the season. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is equally indispensable, although the 27-year-old has recently had surgery on his knee.

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The boss

Jorge Sampaoli replaced Claudio Borghi midway through qualifying, quickly reviving Chilean fortunes. A self-confessed disciple of fellow Argentine Marcelo Bielsa (who led Chile in 2010) he is a passionate, energetic touchline presence. Early in his career he was blocked from watching his lower league team play, so climbed a nearby tree, from where he bawled instructions at his players.

How they qualified

They finished third in South American qualifying despite a mid-campaign wobble which saw them lose four games in a row. A change in coach halted the slump, and they recovered to win five of their last six games.

World Cup record

This is only the third time they have qualified in eight tournaments, but they did reach the last 16 in 1998 and 2010 - losing to Brazil on both occasions. They got to the semi-finals on home soil in 1962, again losing to the Brazilians.

Fifa ranking: 13 (correct to 6 June)

Squad

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica).

Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus).

Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo) Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta).

Possible Starting 11 and Formation

tbc

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Holland

800px-Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg.png

Location: Europe

Status: UN Member Country

Capital City: Amsterdam

Main Cities: Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven

Population: 16,877,351

Area: 41,543 km2

Currency: 1 euro = 100 cents

Languages: Dutch, Frysian

Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant

National Anthem

[video=youtube_share;gwBrR_G70RE]

Kit

netherlands-kits-world-cup.jpg

Prospects

As ever with the Dutch at a major tournament, it is difficult to predict how they will fare. The 2010 World Cup finalists went unbeaten in 2013, scoring goals for fun, but that achievement is less impressive when you look at who they faced. Is a front four of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart (now injured) at its peak - or a fading force?

Key player

Arjen Robben has given a series of coruscating displays for Bayern Munich over the last couple of seasons, including scoring the winner in the 2013 Champions League final. Let's not forget Robin van Persie, who scored 11 goals in nine qualifiers to overtake Patrick Kluivert as the Netherlands' all-time record scorer.

arjen-robben-adidas-f50-martin-caceres.jpg

The boss

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has won league titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar. Appointed as Netherlands boss in 2012, he has Danny Blind and Patrick Kluivert, who won the Champions League at Ajax under him, on his coaching staff.

How they qualified

They won nine of their 10 matches and scored 34 goals, with only a 2-2 draw against Estonia denying them a perfect record. That said, few countries had easier opposition - none of their opponents were ranked in Fifa's top 30.

World Cup record

The Dutch suffered World Cup final heartbreak for a third time in 2010 when they lost to Spain, adding to the defeats their great teams suffered in 1974 and 1978. Brazil will be their 10th World Cup finals.

Fifa ranking: 15 (correct to 6 June)

Squad

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea)

Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, (all Feyenoord), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).

Possible Starting 11 and Formation

tbc

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Spain

750px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png

Location: Europe

Status: UN Member Country

Capital City: Madrid

Main Cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza

Population: 39,214,000

Area: 504,780 km2

Currency: 1 euro = 100 cents

Languages: Spanish, Basque, Galician, Catalan

Religions: Roman Catholic

National Anthem

[video=youtube_share;Ue4p3CoNjv0]

Kit

Spain-kits-world-cup.jpg

Style & formation

Spain's possession game, coupled with their determination to win the ball quickly when they don't have it, has been wearing down the opposition for over seven years.

Spain typically play 4-3-3, with their full-backs attacking like wingers and centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique often joining in play beyond the halfway line. Strikers only tend to enter the box at the last minute for the element of surprise.

Strengths

Spain have a seemingly inexhaustible supply of talented midfielders: Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Juan Mata, David Silva and Santi Cazorla.

A revitalised Pedro has added extra penetration and goals.

Weaknesses

Goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas has operated predominantly as Real Madrid's cup keeper this season, while there is a lack of quality cover at centre-back.

Then there's the issue of who plays as a striker - none of the candidates have excelled in their auditions so far and the most likely starter, Diego Costa, is struggling with a hamstring injury.

Key player

Playing at centre-back in a team bristling with stars can result in getting overlooked but Spain would truly miss enterprising yet robust defender Sergio Ramos.

Capped 115 times at the age of 27, he has started 18 of their last 19 tournament matches and was ever-present during qualifying.

Sergio+Ramos-Spain.jpg

One to watch

Striker Diego Costa chose adopted nation Spain over Brazil, the country of his birth, and can expect a hostile reception from Brazilians if selected.

The 25-year-old played twice for Brazil in March 2013 but was able to switch allegiance as neither were competitive fixtures.

The boss

Vicente Del Bosque is aiming to become the first coach in history to win successive World Cups. Add in the 2012 Euros and it makes Real Madrid's decision to sack him after two Champions League wins because they wanted "someone with more emphasis on tactics, strategy and physical preparation" seem a little foolish.

How they qualified

The holders emerged unbeaten over their eight matches, with back-to-back home draws against Finland and France a mere blip. They did not trail at any stage of qualification.

World Cup record

Spain finally shook off their bridesmaid tag in winning the last World Cup; their previous best had been fourth in Brazil in 1950.

Fifa ranking: 1 (correct to 6 June)

Squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid).

Possible Starting 11 and Formation

tbc

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Any more whining and I'm changing it to a solitary picture of a kangaroo.

Meh, go for it. At least that should be accurate - unless you put up a pic of a wombat, which at this stage wouldn't surprise me

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Meh, go for it. At least that should be accurate - unless you put up a pic of a wombat, which at this stage wouldn't surprise me

This really gills. You wanted to replace the old thread, at least do it with content that's better, not just adding pictures and then ridiculously inaccurate data. Lucas Neill was a bad enough howler.

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This really gills. You wanted to replace the old thread, at least do it with content that's better, not just adding pictures and then ridiculously inaccurate data. Lucas Neill was a bad enough howler.

Then give me the EXACT 100% factually correct data so I can edit the post then. If it's wrong tell me where and I'll edit it. Don't just sit there whining like a schoolgirl sat in the corner at a disco. I've been collecting writeups from FIFA and the BBC and adding it in. I don't think literally anybody apart from you lot are complaining if figures are a few million out ffs. No Lucas Nell? Bitch to FIFA then as that's where it came from so if FIFA can't get 32 countries right then I'm not sure how you expect me to.

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What sort of special needs do you need to be to keep moaning about a ****ing population number? Our listed population number is 10% out, Rafael van der Vaart is listed as player to watch despite being injured and the listed area is land area only instead of total area - do I look OUTRAGED?

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Yes, clearly those missing 4,000 km2 pushed me over the edge.

Can't you put a little more effort into your comebacks?

Comebacks? I love how juvenile that is after complaining about a complaint. Are you twelve?

My point was simple - if gills couldn't be bothered to make the information correct, including it in there in the first place is pretty redundant.

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If any of you would've said "here's the correct data for the post if you can edit it, thanks" would've been cool but none of you did that. The first three of you all bowled in criticising in a ridiculous way. It's a thread, on an internet forum, get a grip.

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It would seem that the Spanish home kit (red) and the Dutch away kit (blue) clash so much, that the Spanish will have to come up with a lighter colour shirt in the first match. Never knew that black and white TV was still so important :D

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If you want to fix it up, the correct data should be:

Population: 23,501,468 (2014 estimate)

Oceania is correct as geographic location but if you're going by confederation then we'd be in Asia

Players to watch should be: Tim Cahill (AUS), Tommy Oar (AUS), Mathew Ryan (AUS)

And we're more likely to play a 4-2-3-1 with two holding midfielders as that's what we've been using for some time, possibly something like this:

1006237_Australia.jpg

Bresciano and Rogic are the primary attacking midfield options, though Troisi played there in the recent friendly vs. South Africa. Franjic could also start over Wilkshire at RB.

I quite like the thread layout, as you're doing one for each group you can't be expected to know everything about each country I suppose :D

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Chile are likely to line up vs Egypt this week with:

Bravo; Silva, Medel, Albornoz; Isla, Diaz, Gutierrez, Beausejour; Aranguiz or Valdivia; Vargas and Sanchez

Provided there are no injuries I'd expect this for the first game:

Bravo; Gonzalez, Medel, (1 other); Isla, Vidal, Diaz, Beausejour; Valdivia; Vargas, Sanchez

Albornoz or Jara could be the 3rd CB

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If any of you would've said "here's the correct data for the post if you can edit it, thanks" would've been cool but none of you did that. The first three of you all bowled in criticising in a ridiculous way. It's a thread, on an internet forum, get a grip.

Tbf winning an argument in this thread is about as close as us Aussies will come to winning anything to do with the World Cup.

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  • SI Staff

The Dutch 23 for Brazil:

Doelmannen:

Jasper Cillessen (Ajax)

Tim Krul (Newcastle United)

Michel Vorm (Swansea City)

Verdedigers:

Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord)

Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord)

Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord)

Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord)

Joël Veltman (Ajax)

Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)

Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg)

Middenvelders:

Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray)

Nigel de Jong (AC Milan)

Daley Blind (Ajax)

Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord)

Leroy Fer (Norwich City)

Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City)

Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV)

Aanvallers:

Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

Arjen Robben (Bayern München)

Jeremain Lens (Dinamo Kiev)

Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce)

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04)

Memphis Depay (PSV)

this means that Karim Rekik, Quincy Promes, Jean-Paul Boëtius, Tonny Vilhena, Jeroen Zoet, Patrick van Aanholt en Rafael van der Vaart have been dropped.

Also Dirk Kuyt :( :( :(

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